Gary D. Speer

Gary D. Speer (April 4, 1950) is a retired career officer of the United States Army. A veteran of Operation Uphold Democracy and the Iraq War, he served from 1972 to 2009 and attained the rank of lieutenant general and served in senior command and staff positions including acting commander of United States Army Europe, deputy commander of United States Army Central, acting commander of United States Southern Command, and deputy commander of United States Army South. His awards included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit.

Early life Speer was born in Gadsden, Alabama on April 4, 1950, a son of James R. Speer, known as Ralph, and Louise (Barnes) Speer.

Military education Speer completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course (1972) and Infantry Officer Advanced Course (1978). He was active in several businesses, including serving on the board of directors of Independent Rough Terrain Center (IRTC), a manufacturer of specialty rough terrain material handling equipment. He was also president of GCS Associates, a venture that provided management consulting services. In addition, he was a leadership coach with True Growth, a Nashville, Tennessee management consulting firm.

Effective dates of promotion Speer's effective dates of promotion were:

Second Lieutenant, June 7, 1972 First Lieutenant, June 7, 1974 Captain, June 7, 1976 Major, December 1, 1981 Lieutenant Colonel, February 1, 1988 Colonel, June 1, 1992 Brigadier General, June 1, 1998 Major General, October 1, 2001 Lieutenant general, April 3, 2006 Lieutenant General (Retired), November 1, 2009

Awards and decorations The major awards and decorations Speer received during his career included:

Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters) Bronze Star Medal Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Achievement Medal Expert Infantryman Badge Master Parachutist Badge Ranger Tab Army Staff Identification Badge

Speer was also inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame and was designated a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment.