Seven New Orleanians who served as Montford Point Marines during World War II are to be posthumously honored with United States Congressional Gold Medals.
On Monday, November 13 at 12 p.m., The Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony will be held to commemorate these seven Montford Point Marines. The ceremony will take place at the Algiers Auditorium, located at 2485 Guadalcanal St., and the doors will open at 11:30 a.m.
New Orleans Montford Point Marines Honored
The seven New Orleans individuals who will be receiving this medal are Granville Alexander Sr., George A. Dupré Sr., Andrew J. LeBlanc, Nolan A. Marshall Sr., Melvin O. Parent Sr., Gilbert M. Smith Sr., and Lloyd B. Wills Sr.
The Montford Point Marines were the first African-Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps since the American Revolution. From 1942 to 1949, these marines trained at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Around 20,000 African-American soldiers trained at Montford Point Camp, 13,000 of them serving in the Pacific Theatre in World War II. These soldiers broke color barriers and fought in historical battles, such as the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Many of these soldiers even went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest form of national appreciation that is awarded by the United States Congress for individual and institutional accomplishments and contributions.
