[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2188-E2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF ADM SAMUEL LEE GRAVELY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of an extraordinary 
American, ADM Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr.
  Admiral Gravely passed away recently, but he leaves behind a legacy 
of stunning accomplishment, which undoubtedly renders him as one of the 
most significant figures in American military history.
  Admiral Gravely was born in Richmond, Virginia on June 4, 1922. After 
attending Virginia Union University for 2 years, he enlisted in the 
Navy Reserve in 1942 and was trained as a fireman apprentice.
  In 1943, he participated in a Navy program known as V-12, which was 
designed to select and train highly qualified men for commissioning as 
officers in the Navy. As part of his V-12 training, he attended the 
University of California in Los Angeles and the Midshipmen School at 
Columbia University in New York City.
  On December 14, 1944 Admiral Gravely successfully completed 
midshipman training, becoming the first African American commissioned 
as an officer from the Navy Reserve Officers' Training Course, ROTC.
  As a newly commissioned ensign, his first duty assignment was at a 
naval training station in Illinois, where he was assistant battalion 
commander for new recruits. Following

[[Page E2189]]

that assignment, he began his seagoing career as a sailor aboard the PC 
1264, one of only two World War II ships with a predominately African-
American crew.
  In April 1946 he left active duty, but remained in the Naval Reserve. 
He returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, and completed his 
bachelor's degree in history. Soon after obtaining his degree he was 
recalled to active duty during the Korean war. His service during that 
time earned him a Legion of Merit Award, Bronze Star, and the 
Meritorious Service Medal.

  In the 1960's, Admiral Gravely became the first African-American to 
command a navy warship when he was appointed executive officer, and 
later, acting commanding officer of the destroyer Theodore E. Chandler. 
That momentous milestone was just one of many in Admiral Gravely's 
career.
  Some historic firsts that he has achieved include: the first African-
American to command an American warship under combat conditions since 
the Civil War, USS Taussig; the first African-American to command a 
major naval warship, USS Jouett; the first African-American admiral; 
the first African-American to rise to the rank of vice admiral; and the 
first African-American to command a U.S. fleet, commander, Third Fleet.
  Admiral Gravely belongs to a group of African-American military 
heroes whose belief in self and country gave them strength to overcome 
incredible obstacles and reach unprecedented heights. In so doing they 
have given hope and pride to the generations that have proceeded them.
  Known as a quiet and unassuming man, his life exemplified the words 
of the politician Adlai Stevenson, who once said ``Patriotism is not 
short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady 
dedication of a lifetime.'' If this is the measure of a patriot, then 
Admiral Gravely was one of our greatest.
  I find it appropriate to end with Admiral Gravely's own words: 
``Perseverance is the ability to steadfastly proceed to your goal 
despite all obstacles. It is the ability to overcome.'' The spirit of 
Admiral Gravely will always be with us, just as his words will forever 
ring true.

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