North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge W. Fred Gore Appointed To Serve As U.S. Army Reserve Military Judge
This week, the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts announced that North Carolina Appeals Court Judge, W. Fred Gore (R), was selected to serve as a Military Judge with the U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps, assigned to the 150th Legal Operations Detachment (LOD). Selection for the LOD (judiciary) is widely regarded as one of the most distinguished honors for a legal officer in the United States Armed Forces. With only approximately 22 authorized positions nationwide, candidates undergo a rigorous selection process.
"It is a profound honor to be selected to serve the U.S. Army JAG Corps in this capacity," said Judge Gore. "The integrity of our military justice system is foundational to our national security and the rights of our service members. I am eager to bring my experience from the North Carolina bench to this new role while continuing to serve both my state and my country."
The selection recognizes Gore’s expensive judicial experience, legal scholarship, and exemplary 34-year military career, ensuring the fair administration of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for service members worldwide.
Gore is a native of Supply, North Carolina and a graduate of West Brunswick High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and obtained his Juris Doctor from the Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia.
Judge Gore’s military journey began in the infantry in 1992, and his service has been marked by significant deployments and high-stakes leadership:
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006–2007): Following law school, Judge Gore’s National Guard unit was mobilized to Iraq. During this tour, he completed Sniper Small Kill Team training and was awarded the Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals.
Operation New Dawn/Spartan Shield (2011–2012): After commissioning as a JAG Officer and serving as an Assistant District Attorney, Judge Gore deployed again in 2011. He served as Chief Prosecutor and Officer in Charge, supervising two practicing attorneys and seven paralegals while conducting military courts-martial, soldier separation boards and advising commanders on combat issues. For his dedicated service, he was awarded the Army’s Meritorious Service Medal and the Commander’s Coin for Performance.
In his civilian capacity, Gore has served in the North Carolina judiciary for over a decade. In 2014, he was elected to the North Carolina District Court bench as a Trial Judge. In 2020, he was elected to serve on the statewide North Carolina Court of Appeals. Gore will be up for reelection in 2028.
In addition to his service on in military and civilian courts, Gore remains active in service to his community. He is a member of Big Macedonia Baptist Church, Shriner Temple Gizeh #162, Prince Hall Masonic Lodge #786, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also provides leadership on the Executive Boards for the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina and the Cape Fear Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Now in his 34th year of military service, Lieutenant Colonel Gore continues to exemplify the "Citizen-Soldier" ideal, balancing his responsibilities on the North Carolina Court of Appeals with his new role as one of the few Military Judges in the U.S. Army Reserve.
