MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — A local Montford Point Marine will be presented a bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony to be held at 12:45 p.m., Aug. 19, at Wilson Temple United Methodist Church in Raleigh by Marines from Marine Air Control Group 28, Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

Mr. Hubert Poole (deceased) of Raleigh, N.C., is one of approximately 100 Montford Point Marines who were unable to attend the Congressional Gold Medal events in Washington, D.C., in June 2012. To ensure the proper presentation and recognition of each Montford Point Marine, Marine units across the country are holding ceremonies in their honor.

On June 27, House and Senate leaders awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center. The following day, The Commandant of the Marine Corps held a parade in their honor at Marine Barracks Washington where they were presented individual bronze replica medals. Approximately 400 Montford Point Marines were in attendance.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded as the utmost expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

From 1942 to 1949, approximately 20,000 African American recruits were trained at Montford Point during World War II. Of those brave men, over 13,000 served overseas during the war.

"I would like to congratulate the Montford Point Marines on the Congressional Gold Medal minted in their honor. This recognition is long-overdue and richly deserved. By breaking the color-barrier in 1942, the Montford Point Marines became part of the rich legacy of our Corps. They answered our nation's call despite our society being deeply divided along racial lines. As such, their contributions went largely unrecognized and many times they were not given the respect and recognition they deserved as Marines, as Americans, and as patriots,” said Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos.