MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort hosted the presentation
ceremony of a Congressional Gold Medal to the family of a Montford Point Marine
at the Lasseter theater aboard MCAS Beaufort, March 25.
The presentation
ceremony was planned and organized by the National Montford Point Marine Association Beaufort Chapter 9. Col.
Peter Buck, the commanding officer of MCAS Beaufort, presented the medal to the
family of Willis Jameson, a Montford Point Marine; the award was presented
posthumously. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest awards given
to civilian in the U.S.
“Today we are here to honor a Marine and his family,” said
Tyrone Jackson the President of the Beaufort chapter. “As a Montford Point
chapter our goal is to promote and preserve the history and experiences of the
first African American Marines to serve in the Marine Corps. This Congressional
Gold Medal presentation is something that the Jameson family deserves to see.”
President Barrack
Obama signed into law that all Marines of Montford point would be recognized
for their contribution to the Marine Corps and United States with the
Congressional Gold Medal.
“Several hundred
Montford Point Marines attended a ceremony in the District of Columbia where
President Barrack Obama presented them with their medals,” said Jackson. “But
some were unable to attend for various reasons, so our chapter has tracked down
several since then and held ceremonies. It’s important to give them their dues.
You work hard in the Marine Corps and you’re going to be rewarded accordingly.”
According to Jackson, 35th Commandant General James Amos was
invited to attend the Montford Point Marine Association’s annual program. After
receiving a respectful and welcome reception there he left, vowing to ensure
the history of the Montford Point Marines was not forgotten and they were given
the proper recognition.
“They answered our
nation’s call despite our society being deeply divided along racial lines,” said
Amos. “To me, they were heroic for two reasons: they fought against the enemy
during World War II while they also fought for their civil rights and the
respect of their fellow Americans.”
After Buck presented
the Congressional Gold Medal to retired Sgt. Maj. Julius Jameson, Jackson gave
a brief on the history of Montford Point. The evening concluded with musical
performances in tribute to the Jameson family.
“I am deeply honored
to be participating in the presentation to the Jameson family; thank you for
this privilege,” said Buck. “This award not only places Willis Jameson and the
Montford Point Marines among the ranks of great Americans, but it also places
him among the great Americans who made significant contributions to the civil
rights movement.”