Executive orders 8802 and 9981, which respectively promoted equal opportunity and abolished segregation in the armed forces, had a direct impact on Cherry Hill resident Arthur Carmichael’s life.
A veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Carmichael was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor for a civilian given by Congress, on Monday, Aug. 20.
As a member of the Montford Point Marines, the country’s first African American marines that trained at Camp Lejuene, North Carolina, in a segregated capacity, the 88-year-old is a living example of what made his generation so great, expressed Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. during the ceremony held in his honor.
“Mr. Carmichael’s courage and determination to become one of our country’s first African American Marines is to be commended,” said Cappelli in a statement. “We thank him for his service to his county. The example he set serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Carmichael, a modest man who rarely stood or spoke, was unable to attend a ceremony on June 27 hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Crops at the Washington Marine Barracks.
There were 19,000 Montford Point Marines, though only 430 are still alive, according to a release.
“It’s a very special occasion,” said Cherry Hill Mayor Chuck Cahn.
The Montford Point Marines, from 1942 to 1949, changed the armed forces, he continued, calling them “true trailblazers.”
“They absolutely were as capable as other marines, regardless of their race,” he said, naming Aug. 20 “Montford Point Marines Day” in the township.
Carmichael was also presented during the ceremony with the Camden County Military Service Medal by the United States Armed Forces and the county freeholder board.
Family members that were on hand for the ceremony were happy for the patriarch’s recognition.
“I’m proud,” said his daughter, Donna Hamilton.
His wife, Evelyn, said that the ceremony was “about time” and “long overdue,” as well as unanticipated.
“We didn’t expect this,” she said.
The medal will be displayed on the couple’s mantel in their study to cohabit with Carmichael’s other medals.
“He deserves it,” said Carmichael’s son-in-law, Richard Hamilton. “He’s a very humble person.”
“He doesn’t like all of the fanfare,” he added.
A Cherry Hill Police escort followed Carmichael to a luncheon held in his honor.
“He’s just a great person,” said Hamilton.
Learn more about the Montford Marines by visiting www.montfordpointmarines.com.
