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Walter Nall, acting Deputy Commissioner of Veterans
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Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,
Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,
Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,
Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,
"For outstanding perseverance and courage that inspired
"The Marine Corps builds character," said Mr. Robert
"The Marine Corps builds character," said Mr. Robert
Robert L. Harding, an original Montford Point Marine,
Roland Eubanks, a former Montford Point Marine, sits
Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,
Summary
Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine, received the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held at his residence. Blanks, 85, who enlisted into the Marine Corps during World War II from Bronx, N.Y., welcomed the award in recognition of his service to the nation at a time when racial discrimination was normal and the military services were just beginning to desegregate.
Between 1942 and 1949, there were 19, 168 African American recruits at Montford Point, N.C., near Camp Lejeune. Of those Marines, over 13,000 served overseas during the war. Most were assigned to ammunition and depot companies bringing ammunition and supplies to the front lines and transporting wounded and dead Marines back to the beaches. The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation's highest civilian honor given by congress for distinguished achievement. The President of the United States signed into law the legislation to award the medal to the Montford Point Marines Nov. 23, 2011.