Medal - Montford Point Marines
2011 year| Bronze | 26.08 g | 38.1 mm |
| Location | United States |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal republic (1776-date) |
| Type | Commemorative medals › Military medals |
| Year | 2011 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 26.08 g |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Updated | 2024-11-13 |
| Numista | N#144270 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
The reverse (tails) depicts Montford Point Marines in formation during training, with the a water tower, a notable feature to all Montford Point Marines, in the background.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
FOR OUTSTANDING PERSEVERANCE AND COURAGE THAT INSPIRED SOCIAL CHANGE IN THE MARINE CORPS
2011
ACT OF CONGRESS
Engraver: Don Everhart
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Montford Point Marines Bronze Medal is a duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded collectively to these Marines in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. These were the first black Americans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order establishing the Fair Employment Practices Commission in June 1941. The recruits trained at Camp Montford Point, near Jacksonville, North Carolina.Black Marines of the 8th Ammunition Company and the 36th Depot Company landed on the island of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. The largest number of black Marines to serve in combat during World War II took part in the seizure of Okinawa, with approximately 2,000 seeing action. Some of these Marines also participated in amphibious landings on Peleliu and Saipan. During World War II, more than 19,000 blacks served in the Marine Corps, with some 13,000 of these serving in units overseas.
