DVIDS – News – Fighting for the right to fight: Louisiana Montford Point Marines posthumously awarded Congressional Gold Medal

NEW ORLEANS – 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.

“These 20,000 men fought to be accepted into an organization that didn’t want them,” said Mr. Jackie Robinson, president of the Granville Alexander Chapter #7 of the National Montford Point Marine Association. “As with all the great battles in Marine Corps history, the Montford Point Marine battle to endure the mistreatment, prejudices and harsh conditions to be part of an organization is a testament to the resilience and character and strength of these men.”

The Marine Corps resisted efforts to integrate its ranks and only did so when President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Executive Order 8802, which prohibited discrimination in the Defense Industry, according to the National Archives.

Black recruits trained at Montford Point for seven years, enduring prejudice and discrimination on their journey to the training facility and then overcame the challenges of Marine Corps boot camp to earn the title Marine.

“It is so significant from what they went through, the fact that they were in the first group of black folks who integrated the Marine Corps and thinking of the sacrifices that they made,” said Michael LeBlanc, who was present to receive the award on behalf of his father, Andrew LeBlanc. “I cannot tell you how proud I am, what they overcame. And it was outstanding.”

President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948, banning segregation in the Armed Forces. This led to the decommissioning of Montford Point training facility in 1949, ending segregated basic training in the Marine Corps.

Of the approximately 20,000 men who earned the title Marine at Montford Point, many went on to serve honorably in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Those Marines opened the door and inspired thousands of Marines to follow their path.

“It’s about inspiring those that follow to be strong enough to do whatever they need to do to follow through with their service to this country,” said Nolan Marshall Jr., who received the award on behalf of his father, Nolan Marshall Sr. “It’s a great country, but it’s only as great as the individuals who serve the country.”

President Barack Obama signed a law authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to all Montford Point Marines in 2011, and about 3,500 of the 20,000 Montford Point Marines to date have been recognized, according to Mr. Robinson.

“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.