Ros-Lehtinen Lauds Passage Of Legislation Awarding The Congressional Gold Medal To The Montford Point Marines, The Nation’s First African Americans To Enter The Marine Corps

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen hailed the passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, our nation’s first African American Marine recruits. This bipartisan bill was offered by Representatives Corrine Brown (D-FL) and Mike Grimm (R-NY).

The Montford Point Marines were the first black men to enter the still segregated Marine Corps. Instead of starting their basic training with white recruits at Parris Island or San Diego, the African American men were sent to a segregated training camp at Montford Point, near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In spite of the latent racism they encountered, the desire of these brave patriots to serve was stronger than any obstacle they came across. Over 19,000 African Americans served in the Marine Corps during World War II and the story of their heroism and love of country will be a part of the instructions Marines receive during basic training.

Said Ros-Lehtinen: “The tale of the Montford Point Marines is one of courage and love of country. Faced with the ostracism of segregation, these African American heroes were undeterred and entered the Marine Corps leaving their mark during World War II.

I applaud Marine Commandant General James Amos for making passage of this bill a priority. Finally, the Montford Point Marines will get the appreciation and gratitude of the nation for which they sacrificed so much. It was an emotional moment in the House chamber when we looked up and saw some of these Montford Marines in the Visitors Gallery and the Members of Congress gave them a standing ovation.”

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