Samuel L. Gravely Jr. (1922-2004)

Samuel L. Gravely Jr., a pioneering naval officer, spent his early years near here at 819 Nicholson Street in Fulton. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1942 and in Dec. 1944 became the first African American commissioned as a Navy Reserve officer. During his 38-year career he became the first African American naval officer to command a warship, command a fleet, and attain the ranks of rear admiral and vice admiral. After serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, Gravely retired from the Navy in 1980. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.