Gray (FF 1054) - Naval Cruise Book

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USS GRA Y FF 10541 WE S TPA C 1980- 1981 USS GRAY fFF-l054J is named in honor of Sergeant Ross Franklin Gray, United States Marine Corps Reserve, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in ' n 21 February l945 during the invasion oflwoJima. GRAY isthe eighth ship action o of the KNOX class of destroyer escorts to be commissioned. On l July l975 GRAY's designation was changed from destroyer escort to frigate, a reflection of Fleet ' GRAY is equipped with the newest long range underwater sound Realignment. detection KSONARJ installation in the fleet today. as well as highly sophisticated radar, communications. and other electronic units. The principal armament, the anti- submarine homing torpedo, can be delivered against submarine targets several miles distant by means of the Anti-Submarine Rocket CASROCJ or can be launched from conventional abovewater torpedo tubes. The 5-inch 54 caliber rapid fire gun and the associated fire control system are capable of highly effective fire in anti-aircraft. anti- surface ship and shore bombardment modes in support of military operations at sea or several miles inland. Recent configuration changes have added to GRAY, BPDMS, a close in. self defense, anti-aircraft missile, which is capable ofcountering anti-ship missiles, and LAMPS, a light, manned, anti-submarine helicopter, which is also capable of carrying out search and rescue. replenishment and utility functions in a combat environment. GRAY is propelled by a modern propulsion system consisting of two steam generating units which provide high pressure steam to a turbine where the thermal energy of the steam is converted into mechanical energy. The Turbine drives a single propeller through a system of reduction gears and shafting. GRAY is manned by l5 officers and 220 enlisted men and has accommodations available to support a full LAMPS fhelicopterl detachment. The ship is fitted with modern living and messing compartments and such additional features as recreation and lounge areas. a barber shop, ship's store. post office. library and pharmacy to support the personal needs and desires ofthe ship's company.

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SERGEANT ROSS FRANKLIN GRAY Sergeant Ross H. Gray was born in 'I-iilycffllnc SPVIUSIS- Alilhilma- I August l920. He attended Centerville High School. leaying alter three vears to work for his father as a carpenter. He worked at this tradeuntil he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve 22 July l942, at Birmingham. Alabama. i , I After training at Parris Island and New River. Ross Gray joined the Fotirth Marine Division. in September of that year. Promoted to Private First Class in April I943, he was transferred tothe 25th Marines a month later. 1 Private First Class Gray sailed for the Pacific Theater I3 .Ianuary I944. He took part in the capture of Roi and Namur Islands I I-2 Februaryj and in March was promoted to Corporal. After fighting in the Battle for Saipan tl5 June - 7 Julyj. he then participated in the 24 .Iuly- I August capture of Tinian. Promoted to Sergeant in August I944. Gray attended the Fourth Div- ision Mine and Booby Trap School. where he was trained to instruct troops in the laying of niinefields and in the detection and handling ofenemy mines and booby traps. Sergeant Gray landed on Iwo Jima I9 February l945. Two days later. D-Day. he was in acting command of a platoon held up by a barrage of Japanese grenades. Pulling his platoon out of range. he went forward alone to reconnoiter the area. He discovered a strong network ofenemy fortifica- tions protected by an extensive minefield. Under heavy fire, he cleared a path through the minefield. Returning to his platoon. he collected three volunteers and a supply of satchel charges. Covered by the fire ofthe three volunteers, Gray returned through the minefield with a satchel charge, throwing the charge into one ofthe Japanese emplacements and destroying it. He then went back for another charge. Six times in all, Gray crossed the minefield carrying an explosive charge to destroy another Japanese posi- tion. The enemy's fire was constant and intense: at one moment a Japanese grenade exploded close enough to him to blow his helmet off. Throughout his one-man offensive, Gray went unarmed to more easily carry and handle his satcliel charges. After destroying the enemy fortifications, Gray than went back img the minefield and completely disarmed it before returning to his platoon. A later count showed that the Alabamian had killed over 25 ofthe enemy and destroyed a machine gun. a small field piece. and an ammunition dump. Ihough unseathed by the hail of enemy fire to which he had been subjected. Sergeant Gray was killed six days later. 27 February l945. by an enemy shell which fatally wounded him. ' I For the great personal valor. daring tactics and tenacious perserverance in the lace of extreme peril displayed in his gallant action on 2l February, Sergeant Gray was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. i