The Marine Corps announces the passing of General Alfred M. Gray, the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, with deep regret. After a brief stay in hospice care, General Gray passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 20, 2024. The 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, remarked, “Today I mourn with all Marines, past and present, the loss of our 29th Commandant, Gen. Gray.” He was a “Marine’s Marine,” a giant who lived among us both during and after his career and who, even in his latter years, remained one of the Corps’ closest allies and supporters.
The Marine Corps confirmed the early death of retired Gen. Alfred M. Gray Jr., a former sergeant and combat veteran of the Vietnam War who served as the 29th commandant of the organization, on Wednesday. He was ninety-five. Today, I lament alongside all former and current Marines for the demise of our 29th Commandant, General Gray, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, stated in a statement. He was a “Marine’s Marine,” a giant who lived among us both during and after his career and who, even in his latter years, remained one of the Corps’ closest allies and supporters.
“Among his many accomplishments is the creation of our maneuver warfare doctrine, Warfighting, which continues to this day to be the philosophical foundation of the way the Marines fight,” Smith continued.
The 41-year-old former commandant oversaw the service as its chief executive from 1987 to 1991. He stayed involved in Marine Corps concerns and causes for decades after he retired. Until her passing in 2020, he shared a home with his wife Jan. Al Gray was a unique individual. retired Gen. Robert Neller, who led the 37th Commandant from 2015 to 2019, described himself to USNI News as “a thinker, an innovator, and a teacher.”
On his own, he turned the Corps’ attention from tactical to strategic warfighting. He never forgot his beginnings as an enlisted Marine, though, either. We all merely adored him and will sincerely miss him. Retired Lt. Gen. George Flynn, a longtime friend and acquaintance who worked as Gray’s adviser and speechwriter for two years, told USNI News on Wednesday that Gray remained a “Marine’s Marine” even after retirement, personally relating to lance corporals and former sergeants as much as retired general officers. Every Marine cherished him.
He continues to receive items from the Marines to sign, according to Flynn. “When you mention Al Gray, the Marines respond, ‘I recognize him.’” even the younger ones. Among his numerous accomplishments is the creation of Warfighting, our maneuver warfare doctrine, which continues to this day to serve as the philosophical foundation for how we fight as Marines.
Despite the fact that everyone will miss him, his legacy and enthusiasm will live on in us. On July 1, 1987, General Gray received a promotion to the rank of general and took on the role of Commandant of the Marine Corps. After retiring on June 30, 1991, he lived in northern Virginia with his wife Jan until her passing in 2020.
