BIO
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command honors the life and legacy of General Gary E. Luck, who died 14 August 2024 at the age of 87.
Born August 5, 1937, Luck served 36 years in the Army. He was a Special Forces veteran, with service in Vietnam as part of 5th Special Forces Group. He also served in 7th SFG and 3rd SFG early in his career. Gen. Luck went on to command Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, and United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea before retiring in 1996.
Luck was USASOC’s First Commanding General. Upon taking USASOC’s helm in 1989, Luck expressed pride in the assignment and understood the depth of the responsibility as the United States and the Army faced many military challenges. USASOC’s role was to serve as the consolidating headquarters for all Army Active Duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Special Operations organization, training, logistics and readiness. Luck had confidence in Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF). “We are the perfect force to lead the Army in operations in these turbulent times,” he said in his remarks upon taking command. “Our soldiers are the most dedicated the Army has to offer.”
Calling the Army’s decision to stand up USASOC “evolutionary,” Luck said at the time: “Special Operations have played a vital role in our nation’s defense since the beginning of our country. They’ve been employed by our leaders in every major conflict and they’ve always, always performed magnificently, many times without recognition but never driven by recognition for their performance.” He spoke from experience.
Luck earned his Army commission through Kansas State University ROTC in 1959, where he studied industrial engineering. Branched into Armor, his first assignment was as a platoon leader with 4th Calvary Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. He served in several Armor divisions until December 1963 when he was assigned as commander of a Special Forces Operational Detachment ̶ Alpha, 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, N.C.
In March 1964, Captain Luck served as logistics officer for 3rd Special Forces Group, also at Fort Bragg. Later that year, Luck deployed to Vietnam with 5th Special Forces Group, serving with Company D, first as “C” Team adjutant and then as commander of an Operational Detachment ̶ Alpha.
Following Vietnam, Luck held various Cavalry and Aviation command and staff positions and pursued advanced military training and educational degrees, earning an MBA from Florida State University and a Ph.D. from George Washington University in Operational Research Systems Analysis and Information Technology.
Other notable assignments followed, including Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division, and command of the 2d Infantry Division. In 1986, Luck returned to Fort Bragg as commander of Joint Special Operations Command. Three years later, he assumed duties as USASOC’s commander. In August 1990, Luck took command of XVIII Airborne Corps for Operation DESERT STORM in Saudi Arabia. He would remain in command of XVIII Corps upon their return to Fort Bragg in April 1991 until May 1993. His final assignment was as Commander in Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces/ Command/Commander, United States Forces Korea.
Luck’s awards include the Defense Distinguished Service, Distinguished Service Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Legion of Merit (With Oak Leaf Cluster), Distinguished Flying Cross (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Army Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and Army Staff Identification Badge.