Killed in Action – Operation Enduring Freedom
Kunar Province, Afghanistan
15 Aug 1973 – 8 Aug 2012
LIFE
- Maj Gray first enlisted in the Air Force as an enlisted TACP member and received his commission, through the Reserve Officer Training Corps, in May 2001.
- After serving for several years as an Airfield Operations Officer, DG went on to become one of first career Air Liaison Officers.
- At the time of his death, he was the careerfield’s second-highest ranking officer.
KIA
- Major W. David “DG” Gray was assigned to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Carson, Colorado.
- He was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
- His unit was responsible for integrating combat airpower into ground operations.
- On August 8, 2012, Maj Gray’s unit was conducting dismounted operations in the Kunar province.
- As the patrol approached an Afghan compound, a suicide bomber ambushed the team.
- Upon detonation, the Brigade Commander and his security team dove for cover.
- Major Kennedy, CSM Griffin and DG, who were towards the rear of the patrol, immediately ran to the front to assess and respond to the situation.
- At that point, a second suicide bomber attacked, killing the three.
- DG was survived by Heather (Wife), Nyah(Daughter), Garrett (son) and Ava (Daughter).
- Heather Gray is the founder of Finish Strong Ministries (FSM), which provides motivation and resources to those in need.
- FSM has partnered with the TACP Foundation to continue to honor DG’s legacy.
