Gordon D. Gayle

Gordon Donald Gayle
Gordon D. Gayle
Nickname(s)	Don
Born	September 13, 1917 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Died	April 21, 2013 (aged 95) Farnham, Virginia
Allegiance	United States of America
Service / branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1939–1968
Rank	Brigadier General
Commands	Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Japan
Battles / wars	World War II Battle of Guadalcanal New Britain campaign Battle of Peleliu Korean War Battle of Inchon Battle of Chosin Reservoir
Awards	Navy Cross Legion of Merit
Other work	Historian

Gordon Donald Gayle (September 13, 1917 – April 21, 2013) was a United States Marine Corps brigadier general and historian. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Education

Gayle graduated from Sunset High School, Dallas Texas in 1934. Gayle briefly enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, before transferring to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated from the academy on June 1, 1939 and received a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps as a second lieutenant.

Early career

On American's entry into 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.

Gayle received the Bronze Star for his actions on New Britain and the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions and wounding on 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.

Later career

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. During that conflict he received the Navy Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for exceptionally meritorious service.

After the war he again served in various posts, including—after a stint in the National War College—Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Japan.

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.

Medals and decorations

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 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."

	Navy Cross	Legion of Merit w/ valor device and gold star
Bronze Star with valor device	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with valor device	Purple Heart	Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ two bronze stars
American Defense Service Medal	American Campaign Medal	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/ silver star	World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal w/ one bronze star	Korean Service Medal w/ two bronze stars	United Nations Service Medal	Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation