Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine,

Mr. Robert Blanks, an Original Montford Point Marine, examines his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps. Blanks, 85, received the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held at his residence.
Blanks, 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.
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..