On June 25, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order to allow the first African Americans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. These first black Marines were trained at Camp Montford Point in North Carolina.
Today, Congress voted to give these dedicated soldiers and Civil Rights trail-blazers the recognition they deserve with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. H.R. 2447, which I was proud to cosponsor, formally acknowledges the Montford Point Marines for their service during World War II.
Overall, 19,168 African Americans served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. The largest number of black Marines to serve in combat took part in the seizure of Okinawa in the Ryuku Islands; 2,000 black Marines saw action during this campaign.
I am proud to say that Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle joined together today to honor the African American Marines who paved the way for all those who serve in today’s military. These patriotic men have a special place in history, and I am happy that Congress has finally awarded them this high honor.