Background
He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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Gordon Donald Gayle
Edit ProfileEducation
Gayle graduated from Sunset High School, Dallas Texas in 1934. Gayle briefly enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, before transferring to the United States. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the academy on June 1, 1939 and received a commission in the United States. Marine Corps as a second lieutenant.
Career
On American"s entry into World World War II, Gayle—promoted to captain in May 1942—sailed to Wellington, New Zealand, with the 1st Marine Division. From there he participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal. He subsequently served during the battles of New Britain and Peleliu.
He returned to the United States in November 1944.
Promoted to lieutenant colonel, he taught at the Command and Staff School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia. Gayle served in several posts over coming years, including Assistant Director of Marine Corps History.
At that time he authored Bloody Beaches: The Marines at Peleliu. As Executive Officer, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Gayle saw combat during the Korean War.
Gayle retired from active duty on January 31, 1968, with the rank of brigadier general.
He subsequently joined the Center for Strategic and International Studies at Georgetown University.
Achievements
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According to Gayle"s official biography: "A complete list of the general"s medals and decorations includes: the Navy Cross, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and Gold Star in lieu of a second award, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", the Navy Commendation Ribbon with Combat "V", the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars indicative of second and third awards, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star in lieu of five bronze stars, the World World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.".
Connections
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Born
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Died
April 21, 2013 (aged 95) -
Nationality
United States -
Religion
Methodist
Awards
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Bronze Star Medal; legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Purple Heart; Legion of Merit World War II Victory Medal; Purple Heart; Korean Service Medal; Legion of Merit; United Nations Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; American Defense Service Medal; Star Medal; Commendation Medal; Navy Cross; Chief of Staff; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.; The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.Bronze Star Medal; legionnaire of Legion of Merit; Purple Heart; Legion of Merit World War II Victory Medal; Purple Heart; Korean Service Medal; Legion of Merit; United Nations Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; American Defense Service Medal; Star Medal; Commendation Medal; Navy Cross; Chief of Staff; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed, while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military.; The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.