Dorsey John Gibbons Gregan, 98 of Arlington, Virginia went to the Lord on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia surrounded by family. He was born in King George, Virginia on July 8, 1923 to the late Robert P. Gregan and Lena McDaniel Gregan.
Dorsey was a Veteran of World War II who served in the Army, 5th Medical Battalion, 5th Infantry Division where he earned 2 Silver Stars, and 1 Bronze Star. He fought in the Battle of the Ardennes Forest through France into Germany and on the border with Belgium and Luxembourg. He said it was the coldest winter he ever experienced fighting the Germans. They fought their way all the way to the Rhine River and the Battle of the Bulge. He was an Army Combat Medic, but fought with the Infantry. He captured a German pilot that was shot down. He did cross the Rhine River fighting the way to Berlin, but the war ended before his group made it all the way.
Dorsey worked for the Naval Research Laboratory for 36 years where he developed the hydrophone and strain sensor to find the thresher submarine. He has 2 submarine sonar patents. He received a Presidential Citation as a civilian for this. He also helped develop the stealth bomber radar material. Dorsey was also a 32nd Lifetime Mason Grand Lodge F.A.A.M Of the District of Columbia, Naval No. 4. He has been a Mason in good standings for 66 years.
Dorsey is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Gregan, and siblings Leola, Gladys, Harold, Hortense, Helen, Tamiline, and Robert. Stepson’s George W. Curtin (Pamela), and Robert Curtin. Step grandson Michael Holesapple.
Dorsey is survived by his Stepdaughter, Patricia Curtin and StepGrandchildren, George Curtin, Jr., (Dana), Jaunita Loving (Vernon), and Jennien Leinenbach. He leaves thirteen great grandchildren; Katlyn (Bryan), Amber (Russell), Christina, Michael (Megan), Lindsay (Colton), Vance, Roger, Brian, Sean, John, Zach, Austin, and Nicole. Eight great, great grandchildren: Bradey, Rylee, Liam, Victor, Bentley, Quinn, Hayden, Daloni, and many nieces and nephews.
Dorsey loved his family and friends. He liked to sing and tell stories. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. He is a true American Hero.
The family will receive friends and family at Everly Wheatley Funeral home on January 27th, 2022 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM
Funeral Service to take place at Everly Wheatley Funeral home on January 28th at 11 AM
The burial will follow after the service and will be held at Fairfax Memorial Park on January 28, 2022, at 1 PM.
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