Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.

Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. was a highly decorated Navy officer who pioneered the way with a multitude of firsts for African Americans in the military. Some of his most notable achievements included being the first African American Navy Vice Admiral, the first African American to command a Navy warship, the first African American to command a warship during combat, the first African American to command a Navy Fleet, and the first African American to obtain Flag Rank in the military. His decorations include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Gravely was born on June 4, 1922, in Richmond, Virginia, the oldest of five children of Mary George Gravely and postal worker Samuel L. Gravely Sr. He initially attended Virginia Union University in 1942 but withdrew before graduating to join the United States Naval Reserve. He later re-enrolled in Virginia Union and graduated in 1948 with a degree in history.