Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Montford Point Marines Receive Congressional Gold Medal for their Bravery and Sacrifice

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The nation's first black Marines were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor given by Congress, for their bravery and sacrifice in World War II. The Montford Point Marines, who integrated the Marine Corps during a time of segregation, received their basic training in harsh conditions, facing racism and prejudice from their fellow Marines. Despite these challenges, they served with great valor and distinction, undergoing intense fire in their supporting roles in the Pacific during World War II.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Montford Point Marines were the first black Marines to integrate the Marine Corps during World War II, facing harsh conditions and racism from their fellow Marines.
  • The Marines were not allowed to enter Camp Lejeune unless accompanied by a white officer and were routinely passed over for promotions.
  • Over 300 lawmakers co-sponsored the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, marking a rare moment of bipartisanship in Congress.
  • The Montford Point Marines served in supporting roles in the Pacific during World War II, including at Okinawa and Iwo Jima, and underwent intense fire without being allowed to fight alongside their white counterparts.
  • About 19,000 men trained at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949, with most of them having passed away.
  • The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor given by Congress, and it is awarded for outstanding contributions made by citizens of the United States.
  • The Marine Corps Commandant, Gen. James Amos, has made it a priority to honor the Montford Point Marines and ensure that their history is taught to all Marines.

Statistics:

  • 422-0: The vote in the House to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines.
  • 300+: The number of lawmakers who co-sponsored the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines.
  • 1941: The year President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Marine Corps to accept blacks.
  • 1942-1949: The period during which over 19,000 men trained at Montford Point.
  • 19,000: The estimated number of men who trained at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, "House votes to award Congressional Gold Medal to Montford Point Marines" (no publication date)
  • Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr.'s statement in the House (no date)
  • Rep. Brad Miller's statement in the House (no date)
  • Rep. Walter Jones's statement in the House (no date)

Read more