The Marine Corps said Friday that Gen. Thomas R. Morgan, the service’s 21st assistant commandant and a career Marine officer whose service spanned more than three decades, died Dec. 6 in Fairfax Station, Va. He was 94.
“General Morgan was a steadfast leader and a true embodiment of the Marine Corps ethos,” said Gen. Eric Smith, the 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps. “His legacy will live on through his impact on our Corps. We offer our condolences to his loved ones and will be forever appreciative of his service to our nation.”
Born Jan. 6, 1930, in Allentown, Pa., Morgan graduated from Colgate University in 1952 and received his commission that year. Over 36 years in uniform, he held a series of key command and staff roles and rose to the Corps’ No. 2 position, serving as assistant commandant from June 1986 until his retirement on July 1, 1988.
His assignments took him across the Western Pacific, Vietnam, Europe and Korea, and he was credited with shaping Marine aviation operations and long-range planning during periods of sustained operational demand. After retiring, he remained active in the military community and veteran support organizations.
Morgan’s awards included the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal, among others.
