Posted on Dec 1, 2023
Fighting for the right to fight: Louisiana Montford Point Marines posthumously awarded...
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Seven African-American Marines originally from Louisiana were posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at the Algiers Auditorium here on Nov. 13 for their service during World War II.
Montford Point Marines Granville Alexander Sr., George A. Dupré Sr., Andrew J. LeBlanc, Nolan A. Marshall Sr., Melvin O. Parent Sr., Gilbert O. Smith Sr. and Lloyd B. Wills Sr, were honored at the gathering for their selfless service to the Nation and for their role in the advancement of civil rights.
These Marines were among the first of approximately 20,000 African Americans to serve in the Marine Corps since the American Revolution. While white recruits attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depots in Parris Island and San Diego, black recruits from 1942 to 1949 were sent to the segregated training facility at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, N.C.
Montford Point Marines Granville Alexander Sr., George A. Dupré Sr., Andrew J. LeBlanc, Nolan A. Marshall Sr., Melvin O. Parent Sr., Gilbert O. Smith Sr. and Lloyd B. Wills Sr, were honored at the gathering for their selfless service to the Nation and for their role in the advancement of civil rights.
These Marines were among the first of approximately 20,000 African Americans to serve in the Marine Corps since the American Revolution. While white recruits attended basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depots in Parris Island and San Diego, black recruits from 1942 to 1949 were sent to the segregated training facility at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, N.C.
Fighting for the right to fight: Louisiana Montford Point Marines posthumously awarded...
Posted from militarynews.com
Marines
Medals
Awards
WWII World War Two
Posted 6 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."We didn’t quite appreciate the trailblazing work they had done being pioneers, for us to be here and have grandkids, great grandkids and everyone,” said Greg Parent, grandchild of Melvin O. Parent Sr., one of the Montford Point Marines being recognized. “Not only will they live on, and their stories need to be told, but to be learned and appreciated.”
Despite many of the Montford Point Marines having passed, the National Montford Point Marine Association, through its local chapters, continues to work to identify and recognize these Marines.
With each award ceremony, the association continues its work to educate people on the history of Montford Point and the legacy of its
Marines."...
..."We didn’t quite appreciate the trailblazing work they had done being pioneers, for us to be here and have grandkids, great grandkids and everyone,” said Greg Parent, grandchild of Melvin O. Parent Sr., one of the Montford Point Marines being recognized. “Not only will they live on, and their stories need to be told, but to be learned and appreciated.”
Despite many of the Montford Point Marines having passed, the National Montford Point Marine Association, through its local chapters, continues to work to identify and recognize these Marines.
With each award ceremony, the association continues its work to educate people on the history of Montford Point and the legacy of its
Marines."...
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