On Friday 55 of the first Black Marines in U.S. history received the Congressional Gold Medal for their service. The Montford Point Marines integrated the Marine Corps at their base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the 1940s. "They had to fight for the right to fight," said James Averhart, President of the National Montford Point Marine Association. "Because of their sacrifices, the perseverance and commitment of the Montford Point Marines, tens of thousands of Marines are reaping the benefit and stand on the shoulders of these pioneers." Alfonzo Jones, the one surviving Montford Point Marine from Goldsboro, was awarded the medal Friday morning, along with 54 others.

Source: Daily Nation August 25, 2023 16:49 UTC