In the Presence of Greatness: Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

In Honor Of Montford Point Marines Corporals Moses Williams and George J. Johnson

 

Corporal George Johnson Family members Grace and George King in background

On November 3, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines. This award recognizes the contributions of the Montford Point Marines to the Marine Corps and the United States of America from 1942 to 1949, during the time of hardship and segregation. The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress. The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian awards in the United States.

Today February 6, 2023, here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center(AARLCC), we celebrate In the Presence of Greatness, as we honored two of our Montford Point Marines with a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony awarded to Corporals Moses Williams (posthumously) and George J. Johnson alive and living at 101 years old..

None of this would be possible had it not been for the bravery of the 20,000 Black men who integrated the Marine Corps during World War II. The Munford Point Marines have earned their Duke place in American history. Despite the challenges presented to the Montford Pointers, their valor and performance paved the way for our present integrated Armed Forces and for that we are forever grateful.

Members of the National Organizational of Mont-ford Point Marines and Supporters.

On April 8, 1944, Moses enlisted in Macon, Georgia and shortly thereafter he was headed to the segregated training facilities of Montford Point camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina. During his time in the Marine Corps, Moses served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater (the theater of operations of U.S. forces during World War II in the Pacific war during 1941 to 1945) from August 15, 1944 to March 28, 1946. He also participated in the consolidation of the Northern Solomon Islands. Moses moved up the ranks to Corporal and was honorably discharged on May 20, 1946.

 

Members of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

After graduating from Dillard High School, George registered for the Selective Service and joined the Marine Corps as an enlisted recruit. With segregation still in place, instead of going to the established training facilities on Paris Island, South Carolina or in San Diego, California, the day after his 22nd birthday in 1943, George was headed to Jacksonville, North Carolina. In Jacksonville, George became a Montford Point Marine – one of approximately 20,000 who were the first African-American men to integrate the Marine Corps during World War II. George’s journey from Montford Point camp led him back to his home state of Florida. He briefly enrolled in Florida A&M College in Tallahassee Florida (FAMU). While he did not graduate from Florida A&M College, he still carries his Rattler background with pride.

Members of the
National Organization.

For more information about America’s first Black Marines, please visit their website at www.montfordpointmarines.org

 

About Carma Henry 24481 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*