Marines

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Retired Lt. Col. John Cassidy Dockery, displays a certificate of recognition on behalf of Pvt. John Henry Dockery, received during the Montford Point Day Ceremony at Camp Johnson on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 25. During the ceremony, three family members were presented a certificate of recognition and a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of their relatives who were members of the original Montford Point Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mark Watola /Released)

Photo by Cpl. Mark Watola

Families honored with medals on Montford Point Marine Day

25 Aug 2016 | Cpl. Mark Watola Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Marines and family members gathered during the Montford Point Day Ceremony at Camp Johnson on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 25.

During the ceremony, three family members were presented a certificate of recognition and a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of their relatives who were members of the original Montford Point Marines.

Retired Maj. Will Smith, on behalf of Sherman Ray; Luther Rountree on behalf of Rufus Candell Rountree; and retired Lt. Col. John Cassidy Dockery, on behalf of Pvt. John Henry Dockery, received the certificates and medals.

“My grandfather was one of the original Montford Point Marines,” said Smith. “That was kind of my inspiration for coming in the Marine Corps. He never talked about it until the night before I came in, with stories about how he trained here on Montford Point and how great the Marine Corps was as an institution.”

The original Montford Point Marines entered boot camp at Montford Point Camp in North Carolina in 1942, during a time and place where racism and segregation were a part of everyday life.

“Of course color played a big part, but (Ray) didn’t allow that to hold him back, so he overcame it,” said Smith. “That’s what he taught his sons, daughters and grandkids: how to endure. That everything doesn’t last forever, as long as you put your heart to it, you can get through anything.”

Sherman brought valuable lessons, but also inspired his family to serve the nation through military service.

“(The medal) means a lot because it shows our family legacy,” said Smith. “Along with my grandfather, we’ve had individuals in our family serve our nation. It solidifies our service to the nation.”

Along with his grandfather, Smith also served at Camp Johnson, with several decades spanning between their service at Montford Point.

“To be back here is very instrumental because I knew this was the place that my father came through boot camp,” said Smith. “I was able to get promoted the first time here and the last time right on this same base. It brought back some nostalgia and a lot of history to our family that we can keep the legacy going.”

Camp Johnson now serves as Marine Corps Combat Service Support School, training today’s Marines in personnel administration, ground supply, logistics operations and water survival training but remnants of the original Montford Point Camp remain throughout buildings and a museum.

“The ceremony today is payment to a debt that we can’t ever repay to the Marines that came before us, but it is our way of showing respect for them,” said Col. David P. Grant, MCCSSS commanding officer.

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