1971 First Black Admiral in Navy

Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., was born in Richmond, Virginia on June 4, 1922. Gravely earned a BA degree in history from Virginia Union University in 1948. Gravely joined the Naval reserve. He transfered to the Navy full-time in 1955. In 1971, he was appointed the first African American Admiral. He retired in 1980.

On Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia, on June 4, 1922. His early years in Richmond were shaped by the rigid segregation of the time, but Gravely was determined to overcome the barriers imposed on African Americans. He attended Virginia Union University, a historically Black college in Richmond, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1948. This educational foundation would serve him well throughout his military and civilian careers.

Gravely’s journey in the military began when he joined the Naval Reserve in 1942 during World War II, a time when the U.S. military was still largely segregated. His entry into the Navy marked the beginning of a series of firsts that Gravely would achieve throughout his career. He became the first African American to command a Navy ship, the first to command a Navy fleet, and most notably, the first African American to achieve the rank of admiral in the U.S. Navy. His career was characterized by his perseverance, professionalism, and ability to break down racial barriers within the armed forces.

After the war, Gravely remained in the Naval Reserve while completing his degree at Virginia Union University. In 1955, he transferred to active duty in the Navy, where his career began to accelerate. He served in a variety of roles, both at sea and on shore, demonstrating his leadership and tactical skills. His achievements were even more remarkable given the social climate of the time, as the U.S. was in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, and racial integration within the military was still in its early stages.

In 1966, Gravely took command of the USS Theodore E. Chandler, becoming the first African American to command a destroyer. His performance in this role led to further promotions, and in 1971, he made history by being appointed as the first African American admiral in the U.S. Navy. As an admiral, Gravely continued to serve with distinction, commanding several major fleets and contributing to the Navy’s strategic planning during the Cold War era.

Gravely’s career was not only groundbreaking but also paved the way for future generations of African Americans in the military. He retired from the Navy in 1980 after 38 years of service, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and leadership. His achievements were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Navy Commendation Medal, among others.

Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. passed away on October 22, 2004.