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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --
Sergeant Ross F. Gray, USMCR, (1920-1945)
Ross Franklin Gray was born on 1 August 1920 in Marvel Valley,
Alabama. After leaving school and working as a carpenter, Gray
enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve from that state in July 1942
and underwent recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina.
He then joined the Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division.
In Spring 1943, he was promoted to Private First Class and transferred
to Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines. Following
participation in the Marshalls and Marianas Campaigns in 1944,
Gray was promoted to Sergeant and received training in the laying
and clearing of minefields.
With his unit, he next took part in the bitter battle for Iwo
Jima. On 21 February 1945, northeast of Airfield Number One, Gray
cleared a path through heavily mined area then, while continually
under fire, attacked and destroyed six Japanese emplacements with
satchel charges. As the intense fight for Iwo Jima continued,
Sergeant Gray was killed by an enemy shell on 27 February 1945.
For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his own life" during the 21 February action, he was posthumously
awarded the Medal of Honor.
Ross F. Gray is buried at Ada Chapel Cemetery, West Blocton, Alabama.
USS Gray (DE-1054, later FF-1054), 1966-2000, was named
in honor of Sergeant Gray.
This page features the only image we have concerning Ross
F. Gray.
Click on the small photograph to prompt
a larger view of the same image.
Photo #: NH 103802
Sergeant Ross F. Gray, USMCR
Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official
publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy",
page 195.
Ross F. Gray received the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for "conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life" on
21 February 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.
Online Image: 46KB; 590 x 765 pixels |
 |
Medal of Honor citation of Sergeant Ross F. Gray (as printed
in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949,
The Navy", page 195):
"For conspicious gallantry and intrepidity at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Sergeant
attached to Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines,
FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces
on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Shrewdly gaging
the tactical situation when his platoon was held up by a sudden
barrage of hostile grenades while advancing toward the high ground
northeast of Airfield No.1, Sergeant Gray promptly organized
the withdrawl of his men from enemy grenade range, quickly moved
forward alone to reconnoiter and discovered a heavily mined area
extending along the front of a strong network of emplacements
joined by covered trenches. Although assailed by furious gunfire,
he cleared a path leading through the mine field to one of the
fortifications, then returned to the platoon position and, informing
his leader of the serious situation, volunteered to initiate
an attack under cover of three fellow Marines. Alone and unarmed
but carrying a huge satchel charge, he crept up on the Japanese
emplacement, boldly hurled the short-fused explosive and sealed
the entrance. Instantly taken under machine-gun fire from a second
entrance to the same position, he unhesitatingly braved the increasingly
vicious fusillades to crawl back for another charge, returned
to his objective and blasted the second opening, thereby demolishing
the position. Repeatedly covering the ground between the savagely
defended enemy fortifications and his platoon area, he systematically
approached, attacked and withdrew under blanketing fire to destroy
a total of six Japanese positions, more than 25 troops and a
quantity of vital ordnance gear and ammunition. Stouthearted
and indomitable, Sergeant Gray had singlehandedly overcome a
strong enemy garrison and had completely disarmed a large mine
field before finally rejoining his unit. By his great personal
valor, daring tactics and tenacious perseverance in the face
of extreme peril, he had contributed materially to the fulfillment
of his company mission. His gallant conduct throughout enhanced
and sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval
Service." |
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Page made 31 May 2006