Getting To Know…Damon Meekins Gray Jr.

Known For: Bettering Hatteras Village

About: Born in Hatteras in 1924, this World War II veteran served under Gen. George S. Patton. Damon Gray received five bronze stars and was in the famous "Battle of the Bulge" in France, for which he received a silver star citation from the French Legion of Honor. Upon his return home, Gray worked at the U.S. Weather Bureau Station for 36 years, earning a national service citation. The threat of storms to the vulnerable Outer Banks village meant folks near and far greatly depended on his communications. He put up weather flags daily, and lit them at night to alert and update appreciative fishermen and villagers. A volunteer fireman for 45 years, Gray helped initiate a weekly fish fry to benefit the fire department and also put up the community's annual Christmas tree for 55 years. He has been recognized by his church and by the Hatteras Village Civic Association for service and devotion, and was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in December 2012. Gray and his wife, Nola, live in Hatteras Village.

Original Weather Bureau Station: It's now a welcome center in Hatteras. The structure dates back to 1901, when it was one of only 11 official Weather Bureau buildings in the U.S. (252) 986-2203 or outerbanks.org

BTW: The fish fry still goes on! It will take place 5–7 p.m. Saturdays, May 29–Sept. 4, at Hatteras fire station. (Go early to avoid sellout.)