Virginia leaders celebrate the birthday of a pioneering Black man who served in the United States Marine Corps.
Celebrating the Life and Service of Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Carroll W. Braxton
Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Carroll W. Braxton, a native of Manassas, Virginia, celebrated his 100th birthday in style at the Virginia General Assembly on Tuesday. The occasion was marked by the passing of House Resolution 560, which declared it "Carroll Braxton Day" and commended him for his 33 years of service.
Born in 1924, Braxton enlisted in the U.S. Marines in Richmond, Virginia, on June 4, 1943, after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing people of all races to join the military. His service took him to the segregated Camp Montford Point in North Carolina for training, where he would later become a part of the Montford Point Marines, the first African-American enlisted Marines.
During World War II, Braxton deployed overseas with the Fifth Replacement Depot Company and earned the rank of Sergeant. His service was recognised with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012 for his contributions as a Montford Point Marine.
After retirement, Braxton worked as a procurement analyst at the Cameron Station Army Base in Alexandria. In addition to his professional life, Braxton was also an active member of his community. He established the American Legion Post in his hometown of Manassas and was called back to active duty during the Korean War as a part of the Marine Reserves.
In 2020, a local school was renamed in honor of Braxton and his wife Celestine. In March 2023, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors proclaimed Feb. 28 "Montford Point Marine Day". The county, home to Quantico Marine Base, was proud to honour Braxton at the Virginia General Assembly.
Virginia Representative Jennifer Wexton recognised Braxton ahead of his 100th birthday on the House floor last July. Camp Montford Point, now called Camp Johnson after one of the first Black marines, remains a testament to the bravery and dedication of men like Braxton.
As we celebrate Braxton's life and service, it is important to remember the sacrifices he made and the impact he had on the lives of many veterans and active service members. His legacy continues to inspire and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the military.
[1] Source: Publicly available information
While celebrating the life and service of Retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Carroll W. Braxton, it's essential to acknowledge his love for sports, a pastime that often brought him joy during his free time in the military. During his service, he actively participated in sporting events organized among fellow soldiers, demonstrating camaraderie and tenacity.
