Background
Gracey was born in Newton, Massachusetts and is the son of Ernest J. Gracey and Edna S. Gracey.
Gracey was born in Newton, Massachusetts and is the son of Ernest J. Gracey and Edna S. Gracey.
Following graduation from Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts, he accepted an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. While a cadet at the Academy, he served as Battalion Commander and captain of the baseball team Following graduation in June 1949, he agreed to remain at the Academy until the following September as a tactical instructor.
From 1951 to 1953, he was stationed at the Portuguese Office in Boston, Massachusetts.
He entered Harvard University in 1954, receiving a Master of Business Administration in 1956. Gracey served in a number of Flag Officer assignments prior to becoming Commandant, including Commander of the Cleveland-based Ninth Coast Guard District, with responsibility for the Great Lakes area.
Commander of San Francisco-based 12th Coast Guard District and Pacific Area, with responsibility for the Pacific Ocean area. And Commander of the Governors Island, New York-based 3rd Coast Guard District and Atlantic Area, with responsibility for the United States. Eastern seaboard and Gulf Coast.
He was also a member of the soccer and rifle teams.