General Al Gray, the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, served in that billet from 1987 until his retirement in 1991. Through the years he became an inspiring figure for Marines of all ranks, though not much is known of his early days as an enlisted Marine and young officer. In this first of two volumes, Scott Laidig gives a detailed account of Al Gray as a young sergeant in the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon through his tours with the artillery, the infantry, special operations, and intelligence units through 1967. In addition to putting together the early story of Al Gray, Marine, the author has retold the story of the Vietnam War and its time. Wanting to put Gray's time in Vietnam, and indeed the Marine Corps? actions in Vietnam into proper context, Laidig presents a critique of the war, its leaders and the newsmen who covered it while also providing a different perspective on the South Vietnamese. His account is well-researched and fully referenced, and might lead the reader to investigate new materials emerging about the War that claimed over 56,000 American lives. Written in a style that promotes interest, this is no dry biography of a great warrior's earliest days in service to our country; rather, it is a fascinating personal account of a Marine Corps legend. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. This authorized biography was awarded the 2014 Heritage Foundation's Colonel Joseph Alexander Award for Best Biography.

Al Gray, Marine: The Early Years, 1950-1967 Vol. 1

Biographies & Memoirs

Laidig, Scott

Leaders & Notable People

Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

Al Gray, Marine: The Early Years 1968-1975, Vol. 2

<p>Most people know General Al Gray as the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. His achievements as a transformational Commandant are legendary within the Marine Corps and the military services. Volume 1 of the “Al Gray, Marine” series covered his time as an enlisted Marine and junior officer up through his 1967 promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. In Volume 2, Scott Laidig tells us the story of a unique, charismatic Marine during his time as a senior field grade officer. From establishing innovative intelligence operations in Vietnam, to command of infantry units in the challenging times of the 1970s, through his leadership during the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, Al Gray’s story is exceptional. In many ways, the accomplishments of Al Gray rival those that he carried out as a General Officer or even as Commandant. In this book, the author tells the remarkable story of Al Gray, Marine. Volume 1 of "Al Gray, Marine" won the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s esteemed Colonel Joseph Alexander Prize for Best Biography of the Year for 2014! Following in that tradition, Volume 2 offers significant insights into General Gray’s activities and many accomplishments as a senior field grade officer.</p>

Potomac Institute Press

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Laidig, Scott. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Laidig, Scott

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Laidig, Scott. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Al Gray, Marine: The Early Years, 1950-1967 Vol. 1

Al Gray, Marine: The Early Years 1968-1975, Vol. 2