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Questions and Answers
In what year did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. begin his career in the Navy?
In what year did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. begin his career in the Navy?
- 1944
- 1950
- 1949
- 1942 (correct)
What was the name of the first ship Gravely served on during World War II?
What was the name of the first ship Gravely served on during World War II?
- USS Toledo (CA-133)
- USS Iowa (BB-61)
- USS Seminole (AKA-104)
- USS PC-1264 (correct)
What is the name of the ship named in Gravely's honor?
What is the name of the ship named in Gravely's honor?
- USS Jouett (DLG-29)
- USS Gravely (DDG-107) (correct)
- USS Falgout (DER-324)
- USS Taussig (DD-746)
In what year was Gravely promoted to vice admiral?
In what year was Gravely promoted to vice admiral?
Before his promotion to rear admiral, what ship was Gravely the commanding officer of?
Before his promotion to rear admiral, what ship was Gravely the commanding officer of?
What conflict did Gravely serve in during the 1950s?
What conflict did Gravely serve in during the 1950s?
What state was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. born in?
What state was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. born in?
When did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. pass away?
When did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. pass away?
What was the name of the organization Gravely worked with after retiring from the Navy?
What was the name of the organization Gravely worked with after retiring from the Navy?
What was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. best known as in the U.S. Navy?
What was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. best known as in the U.S. Navy?
In what year was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. commissioned?
In what year was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. commissioned?
What war did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. serve in aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61)?
What war did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. serve in aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61)?
Which cemetery is Samuel L. Gravely Jr. buried in?
Which cemetery is Samuel L. Gravely Jr. buried in?
What type of officer was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. during his distinguished career?
What type of officer was Samuel L. Gravely Jr. during his distinguished career?
What role did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. have in the Navy's satellite communications program?
What role did Samuel L. Gravely Jr. have in the Navy's satellite communications program?
Flashcards
Who was Samuel L. Gravely Jr.?
Who was Samuel L. Gravely Jr.?
Vice Admiral, the first African-American to achieve flag rank in the U.S. Navy.
Where did Gravely start his naval career?
Where did Gravely start his naval career?
Gravely began his naval career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois.
What ships did Gravely serve on?
What ships did Gravely serve on?
USS PC-1264, USS Iowa (BB-61), USS Toledo (CA-133), USS Seminole (AKA-104), USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717), USS Falgout (DER-324), USS Taussig (DD-746), USS Jouett (DLG-29) and USS Gravely (DDG-107).
What Flag commands did Gravely have?
What Flag commands did Gravely have?
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What was Gravely's role in WWII?
What was Gravely's role in WWII?
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What awards did Gravely receive?
What awards did Gravely receive?
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What special roles did Gravely have?
What special roles did Gravely have?
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Study Notes
- Samuel L. Gravely Jr. was born on June 4, 1922, and passed away on October 22, 2004.
Early Career
- Gravely started his career as a seaman apprentice at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1942.
Historical Significance
- Gravely was the first African-American to achieve the ranks of commander, captain, rear admiral, and vice admiral in the U.S. Navy.
Commission and World War II Service
- He was commissioned in 1944.
- He served onboard USS PC-1264 during World War II.
Post-War and Korean War Service
- After a brief period in the civilian world, he was recalled to active duty in 1949.
- He remained on active duty until 1980.
- During the Korean War, he served on USS Iowa (BB-61).
- In the 1950s, he served on USS Toledo (CA-133) and USS Seminole (AKA-104).
Service in the 1960s
- Served as executive officer and acting commander of USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717).
- Commanded USS Falgout (DER-324).
- Contributed to integration efforts at the Naval War College.
- Served in the Defence Communications Agency.
- Commanded USS Taussig (DD-746).
- Coordinated the Navy's satellite communications program.
Flag Rank and Later Career
- Selected for flag rank in 1971 while commanding USS Jouett (DLG-29).
- His flag commands included Naval Communications Command, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two, Eleventh Naval District, Third Fleet, and the Defense Communications Agency.
- Promoted to vice admiral in 1976 while serving as commander of Third Fleet.
Awards and Honors
- He received awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.
Post-Retirement
- After retiring from the Navy, Gravely worked with the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association.
Death and Burial
- Gravely passed away on October 22, 2004, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after suffering a stroke.
- He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Legacy
- USS Gravely (DDG-107) is named in his honor.
Additional Facts
- Vice Admiral Robert P. Coogan was relieved by Gravely as commander of Third Fleet.
- Navy Lieutenant Commander Desiree Linson, who worked for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, was Gravely's escort.
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Description
Explore the life and career of Samuel L. Gravely Jr., a trailblazing African-American who achieved unprecedented ranks in the U.S. Navy. From his early service in World War II to his contributions during the Korean War and beyond, discover his historical significance and impact on naval integration.
