Retired Marine Master Sgt. George Albert Jackson will posthumously receive the Congressional Gold Medal on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. at Helena Place Senior Living in Port Royal. His widow, Ella J. Jackson, will accept the award for her late husband. The late Master Sgt. Jackson is receiving the honor for being a Montford Point Marine. The Montford Point Marines were among the first African Americans in the United States Marine Corps who overcame racial prejudice to serve in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

He volunteered to enter the Marine Corps on June 22, 1942.

In 1942, Montford Point Camp was established as the WWII recruit training site for all African American Marines.

Master Sgt. Jackson retired on March 31, 1969. Following his service, Master Sgt. Jackson became a founding member of the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., Beaufort chapter and sat as vice president in 1973.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s highest civilian honor awarded to persons who have performed achievements that have had an impact on American history that is likely to be recognized as a major achievement in the recipient’s field.

The late Master Sgt. Jackson served in the U.S. Army prior to joining the Marine Corps. He served in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam. A native of Long Island, N.Y., he died on July 18, 1987 and is interred at Beaufort National Cemetery.

A buffet luncheon will follow the award presentation at Helena Place Senior Living, 1624 Paris Ave., Port Royal, SC. The public is invited to attend this awards ceremony and reception. Call 843-252-3001 or rewing@enlivant.com.