biography
| name: |
Graveley, Samuel Lee, Jr
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| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1922– )
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| biography:
| US naval officer, born in Richmond, Virginia, USA. He left college early to enlist in the US Naval Reserve (1942), and after completing midshipman school at Columbia University (1944), he became the first African-American to be commissioned as an ensign in World War 2. After service in the war, he was released from active duty and completed college at Virginia Union University (1948 BA). He was recalled to active duty (Aug 1949) and saw sea and shore duty during the Korean War. In 1955 he transferred to the regular navy, and in 1961 became the first African-American ever to command a US Navy ship. Various promotions followed and in 1971 he became the first African-American to attain the rank of rear-admiral. His specialty was naval communications, and after service as commander of the 3rd Fleet (1976–8), he became director of the Defense Communications Agency (1978–80). When he retired as a highly decorated vice-admiral (1980), he was the first African-American to attain three stars in the navy. He became a consultant to defence contractors, and has served on various corporate boards of directors. |
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