Colonel Donald A. ‘Don’ Gressly, USMC (Ret.)

VISTA, CA — Colonel Donald A. (Don) Gressly, USMC (Ret), of Vista, CA passed away on January 29, 2021, at the age of 80, with his beloved wife, Jean, at his side. Don is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jean, two sons, Donald W. Gressly Jr., (Tammy); Douglas J. Gressly; and one daughter, Julie Gressly-helms; ten grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; three sisters, Donna G. Simms, Diane G. Armstrong (Richard) and Deborah G. Tranter (William); brotherin-law James Mathews (Joann) and sister-in-law Doris Rogus; five nieces and six nephews.

Don was born in Rochester, PA to Donald W. Gressly, M.D. and Jane H. Gressly.

Don graduated from Springfield College, MA with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1963, and a Master of Science in Education Administration in 1964. In 1970, he earned a Master of Science in Technology of Management from American University.

In 1964, Don was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his initial training, he began leading Marines in the Amphibious Tractor LVTP-5 series Vehicles (better known as Amtracs). He was soon sent to Vietnam in 1965, where his combat experiences included leading an Amtrac platoon with Special Landing Forces-blt 2/1 that made the first raids in country, and with BLT 3/5 that made the first raid into the DMZ during Operation Hastings in 1966. Following this combat tour of duty, other assignments include: Operations Briefing 1940 - 2021

Officer at Fleet Marine Forces Pacific (Hawaii), 1966-1969; Operations Officer, DMA, MCLB, Albany, GA, 1971-1974; Marine Officer Instructor at University of South Carolina, 1974-1977; Acquisition Project Officer for HQMC (I&L) and fielded the LVT7A1 and the Assault Amphibian Family of Vehicles (AAV’S), 1980-1982; Battalion Commander, 3rd Amtrac Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA, 1985-1986; Deputy Chief and Chief of Plans Division J-5, Headquarters,

U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany,1987-1990; Chief of Staff, Marine Forces Europe and Chief of Staff, Armed Forces South (NATO Joint Task Force), 1990-1993. At the time of his retirement in 1994, Colonel Gressly was serving as the Assistant Commander of First Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA.

His advanced military education includes Amphibious Warfare School (Correspondence), 1973; U.S. Army Airborne School, 1976; Command and Staff College, 1978, and Naval War College, 1983. His decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (w/3 gold stars), Bronze Star (w/combat V), Meritorious Service

Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.

Of the many assignments of Don’s long and distinguished service in the Marine Corps, one he found most rewarding was serving as the Marine Officer Instructor at the University of South Carolina. He was directly responsible for the commissioning of twenty five Marine officers during his three year tenure and often reflected on the unmatched rewards of following the service of the Marine officers he mentored. Unbeknownst to him during his tour, he was nicknamed “DAG” by the midshipmen as a term of endearment and admiration.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Don began a rewarding civilian career as the Legal Administrator of a multi-state law firm, Campbell, Volk & Lauter, where he worked for 15 years before retiring again in 2009.

During his retirement, Don dedicated many hours of his time to serve as a Director of the Camp Pendleton Historical Society. Another favorite pastime was a weekly lunch gathering, at the Pit Stop in Oceanside, CA. Attendees were Marines who served in the fields of Amtracs or Tanks, either as an operator or a maintenance expert. These gatherings were always entertaining and highlighted by some of the best story telling you can possibly imagine. These meetings have not been held since the beginning of the pandemic, but they will start up again, and when that happens, Don will definitely be missed!

Don never left his Pittsburgh sports teams. He and his family have many fond memories of cheering on the Steelers and Pirates, especially during the 1970’s when Pittsburgh was known as the “City of Champions”. He also adopted the San Diego Chargers and Padres as a local fan.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, brother, friend and an exemplary Marine. Growing up in Beaver, PA, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jean, whom he first met in the third grade. She was the love of his life, and he was hers. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was their beloved “Poppop” and they, along with his three children, were his pride and joy. To his sisters, he was their beloved “Brud” or “Bo”. Don loved his family, his friends, his Marines and the Marine Corps. He will be missed by the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime.

Memorial services and interment with military honors will be conducted at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA and will be announced at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will also be announced at a later date when it becomes more suitable for gatherings.

In honor of Don, the family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, family and friends make memorial donations, if desired, to: Semper Fi & America’s Fund 825 College Blvd, Suite 102 PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057.

Or: thefund.org

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