August 6, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 133 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1036-E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING JOSEPH ALEXANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 6, 2019

  Mr. SWALWELL of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize United 
States Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Joseph Alexander on the 
occasion of his receiving the Congressional Gold Medal issued to the 
Montford Point Marines. The approximately 20,000 Montford Point Marines 
were the first African Americans to enlist in the United States Marine 
Corps after an executive order issued by President Franklin Roosevelt 
in June 1941 took the first steps to end racial discrimination in 
employment with federal government agencies.
  Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Joseph's personal service 
began when he was just 19 years old in June 1943. He went through boot 
camp at Montford Point, North Carolina, as the nearby Camp Lejeune was 
off-limits if you were not being escorted by a white Marine. When his 
training was complete, Joseph shipped out to fight in the Pacific 
theater where he participated in the effort to push Japanese forces out 
of the Marshall Islands.
  Like many veterans, Joseph chose not to speak much about his 
experience during the war. He returned home, got married, raised five 
children, and settled in Hayward in 1972. Only recently, in an effort 
to get him connected with benefits through the Veterans Administration, 
did the family find documentation that connected Joseph to the Montford 
Point Marines.
  Our community has rallied together to honor Joseph, who will be 95 
years old in September. He recently received his own copy of the 
Congressional Gold Medal from the National Montford Point Marine 
Association at a ceremony hosted by American Legion Hayward Post 870 
and American Veterans Post 911 at the Hayward Veterans Memorial 
Building.
  Joseph, thank you for your service. Not only for your bravery in war, 
but also for your contribution to breaking down the barriers that 
prevented all people from fighting for our country and the freedom of 
its people.

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