Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, Florence native and Army trailblazer, dies at 96

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, a Florence native and distinguished figure in the U.S. Army and a symbol of perseverance and leadership, died Thursday at the age of 96.

Gregg is one-half of the namesake of Fort Gregg-Adams, which was renamed last year from Fort Lee.

Gregg began his military career at the age of 17 when he enlisted in the United States Army. He is remembered for his dedication to service and his role in overcoming significant barriers.

Joining the U.S. Army in 1946, he confronted the challenges of segregation head-on and rose to become the highest-ranking Black officer in the military upon his retirement in 1981.

Seventeen years old, frustrated by segregation and inspired by the service of Black Soldiers in World War II, Arthur J. Gregg enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and deployed soon after to support supply operations in occupied Germany,

United States Army press release

In recognition of his contributions, the former Fort Lee was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams last year in honor of both Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the first Black officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps who died in 2002.

Army officials have emphasized that the renaming was a deliberate tribute to Gregg and Adams, underscoring their impact and the principles they stood for. The base now bearing their names will continue to uphold these values and honor their legacies.

LTG Gregg’s love and commitment for this installation and for this community is forever part of our identity — part of our character. We will proudly carry his legacy forward as Fort Gregg-Adams.

Col. Richard Bendelewski, U.S Army garrison commander,

Recently, Gregg remained active within the fort, going to events and engaging with the community. He was there at last year’s renaming ceremony and the last event he attended at the fort was on July 31.

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