Jun 2011 to Oct 2013

Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipients

MEDAL OF HONOR

RECIPIENTS

 

DURING THE VIETNAM WAR WE HAD FIVE BLACK MARINES THAT RECEIVED THIS AWARD

 

 

PFC James Anderson, Jr.

“F” Co. 2^nd Bat 3^rd Mar
3^rd Mar Div.

Feb 28, 1967

 



        

     SGT Rodney M. Davis

   “B” Co. 1^st Bat 5^th Mar

1^st Mar Div.

Sep 6, 1967



 

 

   PFC Ralph H. Johnson

 “A” Co. 1^st Recon Ba
1^st Mar Div.

Mar 5, 1968

                        

  

PFC Oscar P. Austin

“E” Co. 2^nd Bat 7^th Mar

1^st Mar Div

Feb 23, 1969

PFC Robert H. Jenkins

“C” Co. 3^rd Recon 3^{rd Bat}

3RD Mar Div.

Mar 5, 1969

 





1960 - 1969 The1960s the terrible sixties

1960 - 1969


The1960s the terrible sixties.

The sixties were a tough time for the Marine Corps for both white and black Marines. The civil rights movement throughout the country caused everyone to take pause and look at the future of this country!

The rebellious acts of the young blacks in the civilian communities were also being seen in the Marine Corps. The young black male entering the Marine Corps was not satisfied with just getting along and proving that they were as good as their white counterpart! Integration to the extent it meant equal opportunity and treatment was accepted but integration in a social context was viewed in a different light by young blacks. Their life styles and values had more significance to them than others. These young men were not ready to fit themselves into a behavior mold not of their own choosing. In this respect the veteran black Marine s were in the mainstream of Marine Corps life but the militant younger black Marine at times appear to stand apart. Neither group fully appreciated the others' view and attitudes but yet they had a common cause, a need for full equality.

The Vietnam War brought many Black Marines to battle and many were decorated and received distinguish recognition. Five Black Marines received this nation's highest Award and Honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor by making the ultimate sacrifice, "giving their life"!

In the late sixties in an effort to solve the tense racial situation the Corps initiated an intense racial program to increase the number of Black Officers. One of the outside agencies contacted while looking for Officer Candidates was the Montford Point Marine Association. The success of the Black Officer Procurement Program resulted in an increase of Officers from 155 to 378 by 1973. There were 367 men and 11 women Black Marine Officers on active duty.

The Marine Corps also promoted its first Black Lieutenant Colonels.