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Montford Point Marine receives Congressional Gold Medal

Two men in suits presenting a medal to a man seated man in a wheelchair.
Douglas Crumbey, son of Marine Corps Veteran Johnny Crumbey (seated), watches on as Northeast Regional Vice President Kelly Atkinson presents the Congressional Gold Medal for his selfless and dedicated service as a Montford Point Marine.

By Leanna Lynch, Public Affairs Officer

Johnny Crumbey, a Montford Point Marine, received the Congressional Gold Medal during an intimate ceremony on Jan. 14, 2026, at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts — just two months before his 98th birthday.

The hospital, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), now operates as VA Bedford Healthcare System. 

The medal was presented by the National Montford Point Marine Association Inc., a congressionally chartered nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy, history, and contributions of the first African Americans to serve in the Marine Corps. Northeast Regional Vice President Kelly Atkinson traveled to present the medal, while VA Bedford hosted the ceremony at the request of Crumbey’s family.

Crumbey began his military service in 1946 as a Marine, training at Montford Point Camp in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The segregated World War II-era base trained the first people of color to become Marines between 1942 and 1949, prior to full desegregation of the armed forces. He later continued a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Despite facing discrimination and unequal treatment, Crumbey served with distinction, contributing to the readiness and success of the Marine Corps during a pivotal period in U.S. history. His selfless and patriotic service helped lay the foundation for a more inclusive and integrated force.

The Congressional Gold Medal collectively recognizes the service of the Montford Point Marines, whose contributions went largely unacknowledged for decades. Congress authorized the medal in 2012 to formally honor their extraordinary legacy.

“Their service changed the course of Marine Corps history,” said Kelly Atkinson, Northeast Regional Vice President of the National Montford Point Marine Association. “They paved the way for future generations of warriors.”

For Crumbey and his family, the medal represents long-overdue recognition. It stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service under conditions that demanded excellence despite inequality.

Founded to ensure Montford Point Marines are properly recognized and remembered, the National Montford Point Marine Association continues to preserve historical records, educate the public, and support surviving Montford Point Marines and their families. More information about the organization is available at https://montfordpointmarines.org/.