Cleveland Valrey (1930-2023): Highly Decorated and Groundbreaking War Hero

Cleveland Valrey (Photo right, East Bay Times)

Mausoleum Sec. 80, Tier 4

Cleveland Valrey’s military career spanned more than three decades and two major wars, marking him as one of the most accomplished and groundbreaking soldiers of his generation. 

Born with a determination to serve, Valrey enlisted in the Army Air Forces as a teenager before joining the U.S. Army in 1949. Early in his career, he became part of a historic unit: the first all-Black, 2nd Ranger Infantry Company (Airborne), which fought with distinction during the Korean War. On May 20, 1951, Valrey was wounded during heavy fighting on Hill 581, a testament to his bravery under fire. After recovering in Japan, he rejoined his unit and returned to combat.

Valrey’s career later took flight when he transitioned into Army aviation. Over the years, he logged more than 10,500 flight hours, including 2,100 hours in combat and 4,200 hours as an instructor pilot and instrument examiner. His skill carried him through multiple aircraft, from helicopters like the H-21 and H-34 to fixed-wing planes. He served with Special Forces in the Dominican Republic, flew command missions in Vietnam, and supported units across Southeast Asia at the height of the war.

His decorations reflect the breadth of his service: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 50 Air Medals (one with Valor), and countless campaign stars. These honors underscore a career spent not only in combat but also in leadership, mentorship, and innovation within the Army’s aviation branch.

For his extraordinary contributions, Cleveland Valrey earned induction into two of the Army’s most prestigious circles of honor. He was welcomed into the Ranger Hall of Fame, recognizing his ground-combat heroism and trailblazing role with the 2nd Ranger Company. Later, his pioneering achievements in flight and training secured his place in the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001.

These honors carry added weight because African American soldiers remain severely underrepresented in both halls. Despite the 2nd Ranger Company’s historic role in Korea and the long service of Black aviators, only a handful have ever been recognized at this level. Valrey’s dual induction is therefore not only a personal triumph but also a milestone in the ongoing effort to honor the contributions of Black soldiers who often served in the shadows of history.

Cleveland Valrey stands as a rare figure who excelled both as an elite ground soldier and as a master aviator, breaking barriers in two of the Army’s most demanding professions. His story, spotlighted on PBS’s National Memorial Day Concert in 2021, ensures that future generations will remember him not just as a soldier, but as a trailblazer whose service bridged eras, branches, and battlefields.

Sources: Warrant Officer History, Veteran Affairs News, Fort Benning, YouTube, Wikipedia, East Bay Times