Montford Point Marines Honored with Congressional Gold Medal

Approximately 20,000 African American recruits were trained at Montford Point during World War II.

Original Montford Point Marines. Courtesy: latimesblogs.latimes.com

(WASHINGTON DC) - The first African American Marines, also known as Montford Point Marines, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center today.

Montford Point Marine representative, Mr. William McDowell, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all Montford Point Marines.

As our writer Coral Theill, has revealed in a series of reports, these were the Black Marines of WWII who served from 1942 until a few years after the war, in 1949.

Approximately 20,000 African American recruits were trained at Montford Point during World War II.

There were approximately 400 Montford Point Marines in attendance, and they will each receive a bronze replica medal at Marine Barracks Washington tomorrow during a parade in their honor.

The parade at Marine Barracks Washington will be broadcast live June 28, 9-11 a.m. EST- http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/2454

The following videos were released by the United States Marine Corps Public Affairs; Salem-News.com offers our solemn appreciation to these Marines who weathered a political storm while they fought a bitter war, for which they did not receive proper credit, Semper fi.

Learn more about Montford Point Marines:

From Segregation to a Single Corps of 'Green Marines' - Coral Anika Theill for Salem-News.com

WWII Montford Point Marines Receive Congressional Gold Medal - Coral Anika Theill Salem-News.com

Black Marine History Through White Marine Eyes - MGySgt Robert E. Talmadge, USMC (Ret) for Salem-News.com

Salute to the Montford Point Marines: Loyalty, Honor and Courage in the Face of Racism - Coral Anika Theill Salem-News.com

Bipartisan Senators Urge Passage of Montford Marines Congressional Gold Medal Bill - Salem-News.com

Senate Resolution Honors Montford Point Marines - Salem-News.com

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