Samuel L. Gravely Jr.
Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 4, 1922 Richmond, Virginia, US |
| Died | October 22, 2004 (aged 82) Bethesda, Maryland, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1980 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands | USS Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) USS Falgout (DER-324) USS Taussig (DD-746) USS Jouett (DLG-29) Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two Third Fleet Defense Communications Agency |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star |
Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. (June 4, 1922 – October 22, 2004) was a United States Navy officer. He was the first African American in the U.S. Navy to serve aboard a fighting ship as an officer, the first to command a Navy ship, the first fleet commander, and the first to become a flag officer, retiring as a vice admiral.