Montford Point Marine veteran in Birmingham awarded the Congressional Gold Medal
Gilbert Taylor
Posted: Jul 07, 2014 3:49 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 07, 2014 3:49 PM CDT
By Sarah Killian - email
Decades after fighting on the battlefields of World War
II, 98-year-old James Carrington is finally recognized for his service.
Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell awarded Carrington the
Congressional Gold Medal.
"It's a feeling like I've never had before,"
Carrington said.
Carrington spent his time in the military as a member of
the Montford Point Marines, the country’s first African Americans to serve in
the U.S. Marine Corp. For the
generations after, Carrington and the Montford Point Marines were trailblazers.
“I know that the President wouldn't have the office that
he has, nor would I be the first Black woman to represent Alabama in Congress
had it not been for the courage and bravery of men like Mr. Carrington,”
Congresswoman Sewell said.
Around his hospital bed this afternoon, Carrington was
surrounded by “a few good men.” Thought
he’s been out of the Marines for decades, it’s a group he still holds dear with
values he continues to treasure.
"I love the Marines. I really, really ,really love
the United States of America,” Carrington expressed.
The Montford Point Marines were awarded the Congressional
Gold Medal in June 2012. This is the fifth medal Congresswoman Sewell has
awarded in her district.