Colonel Gerald D. Gregory

Colonel Gerald “Jerry” Dwight Gregory, 80, went to be with the Lord on December 24, 2010 in The Woodlands, TX. He was born January 11, 1930 in Greene, NY to Z. Hugh Gregory and Janet Crounse. He completed grade school and high school in Gilbertsville, NY, graduating in 1948. He attended the State University of New York, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology.

Colonel Gregory entered the Air Force in October 1952 at Lackland AFB, TX. He entered the Aviation Cadet Program and completed navigator training in 1954 at Ellington AFB, TX, receiving a commission as a second lieutenant.

In January 1955, Colonel Gregory was assigned to the 47th ATS (MATS) at Hickam Field, Hawaii as a crew member flying C-97 transports. In the spring of 1957 he was transferred with his squadron to Travis AFB, CA where he served as a Flight Examiner Navigator.

In April 1960, Colonel Gregory was assigned as Air Force Advisor to the 109th Air Transport Group, Air National Guard at Schenectady, New York. The unit was activated in 1961 for one year during the Berlin crisis. He remained with the unit and again became an advisor when they were deactivated.

In August 1964, Colonel Gregory was assigned to Kindley AB in Bermuda as the Navigational Services Officer and Chief Navigator.

In December 1966, Colonel Gregory was assigned to the 20th MAS at Dover AFB, DE. In November 1968, he was assigned to the 436 MAW staff as Asst. Chief of Combat Tactics and Techniques until being assigned to Danang AB, Vietnam in April 1972 where he flew EC-47s as Chief Standardization Navigator.

In March 1973, Colonel Gregory was reassigned to Dover AFB, DE where he became project officer for the move of the 20th MAS to Charleston AFB and the 3rd MAS to Dover AFB. After completion of the move, he was assigned as Chief of Wing Plans. In 1976 he was assigned as Asst. Chief of Personnel at Dover AFB, DE.

Colonel Gregory has completed Squadron Officers School, Command and Staff College, Air War College and has a Masters Degree in Personnel Management and Supervision. He has completed the Personnel Professional Management Course as well as many other Air Force schools and courses. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service medal, Air Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, among other awards. He has accumulated over 11, 000 flying hours as a crew member, nearly 700 of which were flown in Vietnam. He is a Master Navigator.

Colonel Gregory was assigned as Chief of Personnel at Dover AFB, DE, a position he held since 1977. He has served as Chief of the 436 MAW Exercise Evaluation Team since February 1976.

Colonel Gregory was selected as MAC Senior Personnel Manager of the Year for the period 1 Apr 82 through 31 Mar 83 and as the Dover Air Force Base Supervisor of the Year in 1984 by the Federal Women’s Program.

Jerry was an active member of Stonebridge Church where he always greeted his Sunday School Class with a big “Ho, Ho, Ho”. He was known for his big smile, great personality and warm handshake.

Colonel Gregory is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Naomi Moore Gregory; daughters Debbie Gregory and Kathy Linehan and husband Rodney; granddaughters Liane and Lauren Linehan all of The Woodlands, TX; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Tom McGivern of Lakeville, CT, Ralph and Dorothy Moore of Tyler, TX, Ray and Phyllis Moore of Thackerville, OK; and Leroy Koenig of Bellaire, TX; cousin Mary Davidson and husband Rich of Jacksonville, NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Lois McGivern; sister-in-law Dorothy Imogene Koenig; and brother-in-law Joseph A. Moore.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 P.M., Monday, December 27, 2010 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home. Funeral Services are set for 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 28, 2010 in the Chapel at Forest Park The Woodlands. Interment will follow in Forest Park The Woodlands Cemetery with military honors.

For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Stonebridge Church or a charity of your choice.