Jacob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors. You would always catch him on down time reading a book or on his kindle. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a kind, giving and extremely intelligent person who always was looking for ways to better himself and those around him. May we always remember him for his dedication, service and honor to this country, his men, his family and the Corps.
Jacob was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on 12/3/86, the third son of Brenda and Chris Gray. He was a twin and the ”baby” of the family. Since the age of 10 all Jacob talked about was joining the Marines. He actually graduated 1 year early (taking summer courses) from Cloverleaf High School, Lodi, OH in June 2004. He had enlisted early in Marines on a delayed entry program. Leaving for MRCD Parris Island, SC on November 15, 2004; graduating February 11, 2005, he participated in Permissive Recruiter Assistance Program prior to attending. He graduated May 2005 from the School of Infantry. Jacob was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Lima Company in June 2005. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC his whole career. He was found dead hanging in the barracks on June 4, 2015.
His deployments include: Operation Iraqi Freedom: 8/25/05-3/20/06, 1/19/07-8/9/07, 4/5/08-10/25/08 (he re-enlisted while in Iraq). Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan: 1/9/10-8/17/10. While in Marjah he stepped on an IED and suffered knee damage, though he was back on duty protecting his men 24/36 hours after this incident.
Jacob’s Awards include:
Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 bronze star
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze stars
Presidential Unit Citation-Navy
Iraq campaign Medal with 4 bronze stars
Individual Certificate of Commendation
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
NATO Medal-lSAF Afghanistan
Navy Unit commendation with 4 bronze stars
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold ‘V“ for Valor.
Final resting place: Hazard Cemetery, West Salem, OHIO 44287
#22toomany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
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