Congressional Gold Medal Award Presentation

Last month, a simple yet elegant ceremony was hosted by the National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. Chapter 29 to posthumously recognize two native Floridian heroes for their distinguished military service.

The Montford Point Marines Bronze Medal is a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded collectively to the Montford Point Marines. This honor recognizes the first African American men to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, establishing the Fair Employment Practices Commission in June 1941.

These pioneering Marines were primarily trained at Camp Montford Point in North Carolina, including Black Marines from Jacksonville, North Carolina, assigned to the 8th Ammunition Company and the 3rd Depot Company. These units landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, marking the largest deployment of Black Marines in direct combat during World War II. Montford Point Marines also participated in amphibious landings on Peleliu and Saipan. During World War II, nearly 19,000 African Americans served in the United States Marine Corps, with approximately 13,000 serving in overseas units.

HONOREE PRIVATE LEROY BEASLEY

Private Leroy Beasley was a proud Montford Point Marine, born on December 11, 1914. In January 1944, he entered military service during a defining era in our nation’s history, joining the courageous group of African American Marines who broke racial barriers and laid the foundation for generations to come. He served honorably until November 13, 1945.

The Congressional Gold Medal is in grateful recognition of his patriotism, sacrifice, and enduring legacy. The National Montford Point Marine Association are especially honored to share this moment with his family, including his son, and mentor, Retired Navy Captain Ron Beasley.

HONOREE PRIVATE FIRST-CLASS JEFF DAVIS JOHNSON

Private First-Class Jeff Davis Johnson served his country with distinction as one of the courageous Montford Point Marines, among the first African American men to serve in the United States Marine Corps.

He entered military service on November 26, 1943, and served honorably until April 6, 1946, during a time marked by segregation and adversity. His service reflects great strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to paving the way for future generations.

We the members of the National Montford Point Marine Association, proudly honor his legacy through the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to his family. Accepting the medal on behalf of the family was his nephew, Mr. Fred Robinson, a Florida Veterans Hall of Fame inductee and Chair of the Orlando Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council.