Avery Raymond Kier (February 11, 1905 - August 7, 1987) was a United States Marine Corps aviator and general officer. During World War II he served as the commanding officer of VMSB-234 and towards the end of the war was a pioneer in the development of close air support for ground combat operations serving at both Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Following WW II, Kier served as the commanding officer of numerous Marine aircraft groups, air stations and air wings, with his last assignment being that of Deputy Commander for Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He retired from the Marine Corps on 1 March 1967.