James L Dale Jr. is a native of Brockport, New York. He enlisted and began recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina on 18 September 2006.
Private Dale reported on 17 January 2007 to Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Upon completion Private Dale reported to the Personnel Administration Specialists Course.
Private Dale was promoted to Private First Class on 1 March 2007 and then reported to Installation Personnel Administration Center Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on 28 March 2007. While serving on Camp Lejeune, Private First Class Dale served in the Customer Service Branch, Quality Control Branch, and the Outbound Branch. He was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal on 1 November 2007 and then promoted to the rank of Corporal on 1 November 2009.
Corporal Dale was ordered to Marine Corps Base Hawaii to serve as the Installation Personnel Administrative Center, Outbound Branch Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge on 3 March 2010. While aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Corporal Dale supported Operation Ulchi Freedom Guardian overseas in Korea and received awards such as the Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Korean Defense Medal. Corporal Dale was assigned to the Quality Control Branch and promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 February 2013. At this time, Sergeant Dale was ordered to I&I Johnson City, Tennessee.
On 1 May 2013 Sergeant Dale reported for duty at the Inspector and Instructor Staff Johnson City, Tennessee, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. During his tour, Sergeant Dale filled demanding billets such as the I&I Administrative Chief, Toys for Tots Coordinator, Funeral Coordinator, and Color Sergeant. While serving in these billets, Sergeant Dale was selected for the rank of Staff Sergeant and assigned to HQMC Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
Sergeant Dale reported to HQMC M&RA on 5 April 2016 and was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 May 2016. While at HQMC, Staff Sergeant Dale served as the SNCOIC for the Test Control Branch. While serving at HQMC, Staff Sergeant Dale married Michelle Dale on 26 August 2017. Staff Sergeant Dale served at HQMC until he was selected to be a Detachment Commander for the Marine Security Guard program in May of 2019.
Staff Sergeant Dale reported to and successfully graduated from MSG School on 16 August 2019. He was assigned to Region 8 and the Consulate of Monterrey, Mexico. After serving in Monterrey for 18 months, Staff Sergeant Dale was assigned to the Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic. While serving in Prague, Staff Sergeant Dale was selected and promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on 1 August 2021. Gunnery Sergeant Dale was then ordered to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
Gunnery Sergeant Dale reported to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3 on 27 September 2022. During his tour on MCAS Miramar, he served as the Admin Chief for the Wing Headquarters, as well as forward deployed to establish Task Force Philippines. Upon return from deployment in November of 2025, Gunnery Sergeant Dale was selected for the rank of First Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant Dale was then ordered to report to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
Gunnery Sergeant Dale was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant on 22 January 2026 and reported in to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment on 10 February 2026. First Sergeant Dale is currently serving as the Charlie Company I&I 1stSgt in Buffalo, NY.
First Sergeant Dale's personal awards include (3) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and (1) Joint Service Commendation Medal.