RALEIGH — North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge W. Fred Gore, a native of Supply and graduate of West Brunswick High School, has been appointed as a Military Judge in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps, according to a press release from the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Gore will serve with the 150th Legal Operations Detachment (LOD) — one of the most selective judicial units in the U.S. Army Reserve. The Judicial Branch notes that only about 22 positions exist nationwide, and selection is considered “one of the most distinguished honors for a legal officer in the armed forces.”
“A profound honor”
“It is a profound honor to be selected to serve the U.S. Army JAG Corps in this capacity,” Gore said in the announcement. “The integrity of our military justice system is foundational to our national security and the rights of our service members.”
As a Military Judge, Gore will preside over courts‑martial and other military justice proceedings, applying the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for service members worldwide.
Local roots and a 34‑year military career
Gore’s path to the appellate bench and military judiciary began in Brunswick County, where he grew up in Supply and graduated from West Brunswick High School. He later earned his undergraduate degree from UNC Charlotte and his law degree from the Appalachian School of Law.
His 34‑year military career began in the infantry in 1992 and includes two major overseas deployments:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006–2007): Completed Sniper Small Kill Team training; awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.
- Operation New Dawn / Spartan Shield (2011–2012): Served as Chief Prosecutor and Officer in Charge, supervising attorneys and paralegals, conducting courts‑martial, and advising commanders on combat‑related legal issues. He received the Army Meritorious Service Medal and a Commander’s Coin for Performance.
After returning home, Gore continued his dual service as both a prosecutor and a Judge Advocate before being elected to the North Carolina District Court in 2014 and the Court of Appeals in 2020. He will be up for re‑election in 2028.
Community involvement
Despite his demanding roles, Gore remains active in civic and community organizations, including:
- Big Macedonia Baptist Church
- Shriner Temple Gizeh #162
- Prince Hall Masonic Lodge #786
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- Executive boards for the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina and the Cape Fear Council of the Boy Scouts of America
A rare dual‑service role
Gore’s appointment places him among a small number of state appellate judges nationwide who also serve as military judges. He will continue his full‑time duties on the North Carolina Court of Appeals while fulfilling Reserve obligations.
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