1st District Celebrate and Honor Black History With Ceremony

12 Feb 2001 | Sgt John Neal Marine Corps Recruiting Command

The Marines at the 1st Marine Corps District and members of the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., New York Chapter, established a new award to commemorate Black History Month at the district headquarters in Garden City, N.Y, Feb. 12.

"We wanted to give this award as a dedication to the memory of the men of Montford Point," said Alexandria Johnson, president of the New York Chapter of the Montford Point Marine Association.  "They paved the way for the African-American Marine.  They proved African-Americans were dedicated and loyal to their country and were willing to die for it."

Johnson and the commanding officer of the 1st Marine Corps District, Col. Paul C. Allen, presented the "Pfc. James Anderson, Jr. Award of Excellence" to LCpl. Christopher Mangrum for his superior performance and dedication with the Harlem Youth Marines and as a recruit.

The award is named after the first black Marine to receive the Medal of Honor.  Pfc. Anderson was killed in Vietnam while risking his own life to save his fellow Marines, by curling his body around a grenade before it exploded.  The 1st Marine Corps District and the Montford Point Marine Association will present the award annually to celebrate and honor Black History Month. The award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates a dedication to excellence and our Core Values.

Marine Corps Recruiting Command