New Orleans, La. - One of the first African-Americans who voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Marines Corps in 1943 during World War II receives the highest civilian honor.
Winston J. Burns, Sr. was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for patriotism and sacrifice. In a news release from the military, the medal is given as "the utmost expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions." Burns volunteered to serve during a time when African-Americans endured segregated training and discrimination.
Lt. Gen. Steven Hummer said, "we have men like Sgt. Burns to thank for helping our corps grow into the band of brothers we are today."
Up until 1942 the Marine Corps denied African-Americans the opportunity to serve as Marines. It was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who issued the directive to change the policy. The new recruits were not able to go to the traditional boot camps. Instead, they were sent to Montford Point, a newly established site at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Marines admit conditions were less than hospitable. A ceremony program states, "undeterred by such austere living conditions, the overt racism and segregation of the era, and surrounded by an air of constant doubt about their capabilities, the men, who would become known as the Montford Point Marines, persevered."
The ceremony was held at the Marine Corps Support Facility in New Orleans on Monday.
Sgt. Burns said, "the bottom line was we had to serve our country one way or the other, either in the Army or the Navy, and we had an opportunity to join the Marine Corps."
After World War II, Sgt. Burns remained with the Marine Corps Reserves and got a degree from Xavier University.
He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War and after that he taught Health and Physical Education for 25 years in the Orleans Parish Schools.
Sgt. Burns receives Congressional Gold Medal (FOX 8)
