[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 CELEBRATING THE 95TH BIRTHDAY OF RETIRED GENERAL ALFRED M. GRAY, THE 
                29TH COMMANDANT OF THE U.S. MARINE CORPS

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                         HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2023

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep appreciation 
and admiration for Retired General Alfred M. Gray on the occasion of 
his 95th birthday. It is an honor to recognize General Gray's 
exceptional contributions to our Nation and his continued service to 
the Marine Corps.
  General Gray's illustrious career spans over four decades as he 
dedicated himself to the defense and security of our great nation. His 
leadership and strategic vision have left a permanent mark on the 
Marine Corps and our Armed Forces as a whole. From his service as an 
enlisted soldier in Korea to his role as the 29th Commandant of the 
Marine Corps, General Gray's commitment to excellence and his 
unwavering dedication to duty have set a standard for all who follow in 
his footsteps.
  A visionary on the battlefield, General Gray presided over changes in 
military training in the 1970s by placing more emphasis on large-scale 
operations in desert and cold-weather environments. His doctrine of 
maneuver warfare, adopted by the military in the 1980s, resulted in the 
Marine Corps' exceptional performance in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  In addition to his 41 years of military service, General Gray has 
made significant contributions to policy research and national security 
through his leadership roles at educational institutions like the 
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Since his retirement in 1991, 
General Gray has ensured that the Marine Corps remains at the forefront 
of innovative thinking and preparedness. He has played a pivotal role 
in shaping the educational landscape for our military personnel and has 
provided invaluable insights into key national security, science and 
technology, and related policy issues.
  Throughout his career, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, 
General Gray has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, 
including two Defense Distinguished Service Medals. two Navy 
Distinguished Service Medals, Distinguished Service Medals from the 
U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Silver Star 
Medal, two Legion of Merits with Combat ``V'', four Bronze Star Medals 
with Combat ``V'', three Purple Hearts, three Joint Commendation 
Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the 
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Star, as well as foreign 
awards from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Korea and The 
Netherlands.
  As we celebrate General Gray's 95th birthday, I ask my colleagues to 
join me in honoring him on this special occasion and in expressing our 
deepest appreciation for his remarkable lifelong service to our beloved 
country. His contributions to the Marine Corps, national security, and 
education system have had a lasting impact on our nation. General 
Gray's legacy of leadership, integrity, and innovation will continue to 
inspire countless future generations of Marines and patriots. May he 
have a joyous 95th birthday, and may his years ahead be filled with 
health, happiness, and continued blessings. God Bless and Semper 
Fidelis.

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