Military trailblazer Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, who paved the way for African Americans in the armed forces, passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, at the age of 96 after decades of distinguished service.

“Our family is so very thankful for the outpouring of support after the death of my father, Arthur Gregg,” his daughter Alicia Collier said in a statement. “We are so proud of the incredible legacy he has impressed on the Army and for our nation.

“Those accomplishments mean a lot, but our hearts ache for the loss of a wonderfully kind and loving father, grandfather, and friend. The world is a better place because Dad was a part of it.”

Gregg was born on May 11, 1928, in Florence, S.C. to Robert and Ethel Gregg, the youngest of nine children. He faced the challenges created by segregation throughout his early life, from childhood education to efforts to pursue a career in medical science. He enlisted in 1946.

From a role in the 3511th Quartermaster Transportation Truck Company in West Germany, Gregg went on to become an instructor at the base formerly known as Fort Lee in the Quartermaster Leadership School. He later earned the Meritorious Unit Citation for his command of a battalion in Vietnam in 1966.

Among his many honors and achievements, Gregg served as the first African American brigadier general in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps when he was promoted in 1972, according to the Army.

He was also the first African American to reach the rank of lieutenant general, earning three stars in 1972, 1976 and 1977.

He served in the U.S. Army for over 30 years, retiring in 1981 as the highest ranking Black officer in the U. S. military. In 2016, the Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg Sustainment Leadership Award was created, with Gregg honored as its first recipient.

Last year, the military installation formerly known as Fort Lee was renamed in honor of Gregg and fellow Black military officer Lt. Col. Charity Adams as part of a congressional effort to rename facilities in the armed service that honored Confederate leaders.

Gregg was the first living person in modern American history to have a military installation named after him, according to the Army. It stands as just one of many landmark accomplishments he made during his long life.

“His dedication and leadership will never be forgotten,” said Maj. Gen. Michelle Donahue, commanding general of the Fort Gregg-Adams and the Combined Arms Support Command in a statement on the U.S. Army’s website.

Gregg was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene McDaniel, and daughter Sandra Gregg. He is survived by Collier, another daughter Margy Steinmetz, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.