Kenneth Russell Gray

First Enlistment
Joined 3 April 1934 at Boston, MA, “to learn the drum and trumpet.” Boot camp at Parris Island; outposted to depot HQ Detachment for field music school. Qualified as “trumpeter” and assigned to Second Battalion, 5th Marines at Quantico on 11 August 1934.

Transferred to Service Squadron 1M, Aircraft One, on 1 December 1934. Expressed interest in flight training, but unable to enter program due to assignment as trumpeter. On 1 September 1936, reported as Absent Over Leave following an automobile accident at McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Declared a deserter as of 11 September 1936. Returned to post and tried by summary court-martial; mark of desertion removed, received six-month suspended sentence with $30 fine and three months extra police duties.

On 9 November 1936, reported as Absent Over Leave. Returned 11 November 1936. Sentenced to Bad Conduct Discharge effective 19 November 1936.

Second Enlistment
Applied for reenlistment on 7 December 1941. Bad Conduct Discharge waived 24 December 1941. Reenlisted at Boston on 1 December 1942; posted directly to Able Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River, NC, 3 December 1942.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Private First Class
MOS: 746 (Automatic Rifleman)

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Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 653 (Squad / Team Leader)
Important Events: 
July 8, 1944 – wounded in action (gunshot, left thigh) while directing attack against Japanese snipers. Evacuated to USS Cambria.

Awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions on this date:

For meritorious service in action while serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 8 July 1944. Courageously volunteering to lead his demolitions squad against a strong enemy position, Corporal Gray fearlessly advanced and, although wounded in the attempt to reduce the Japanese stronghold, resolutely continued to direct his squad until he collapsed, unconscious from his wounds. An indomitable fighter, Corporal Gray, by his able leadership and persevering determination in the fulfillment of his dangerous assignment, contributed essentially to the crushing of fanatic Japanese resistance in his sector and his gallant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,

Campaign Narrative

Did not participate in Tinian campaign due to wounds.

Transported to US Naval Hospital #128 at Pearl Harbor for treatment. Discharged from hospital on 22 August 1944; returned to Able Company, 24th Marines on 28 August.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: Sergeant
MOS: 737 (Rifle NCO)
Important Events:
in chronological order
Joined
Transferred
Wounded/sick/killed
Promoted
Decorated
Buried

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