"The Marine Corps builds character,"
said Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine. Blanks received
the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held at his residence. Blanks,
85, who enlisted into the Marine Corps during World War II from Bronx, N.Y.,
welcomed the award in recognition of his service to the nation at a time
when racial discrimination was normal and the military services were just
beginning to desegregate.
Between 1942 and 1949, there were 19, 168 African American recruits at
Montford Point, N.C., near Camp Lejeune. Of those Marines, over 13,000
served overseas during the war. Most were assigned to ammunition and depot
companies bringing ammunition and supplies to the front lines and
transporting wounded and dead Marines back to the beaches.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation's highest civilian honor given by
congress for distinguished achievement. The President of the United States
signed into law the legislation to award the medal to the Montford Point
Marines on November 23, 2011. (Official USMC photo by Staff Sgt. Tracie G.
Kessler)(Released).
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.30.2012 15:01 |
| Photo ID: | 655385 |
| VIRIN: | 120824-M-YM527-047 |
| Resolution: | 1200x800 |
| Size: | 1.09 MB |
| Location: | ORANGE CITY, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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Montford Point Marine receives Congressional Gold Medal
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