Local Marine Gets Highest Congressional Honor

Garland Marine helped desegregate the Marine Corps

A Garland Marine who served in World War II has received an honor 70 years in the making.

Leo Parros, 86, has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest distinction Congress can give a civilian.

He was so eager to join the U.S. Marine Corps during the throes of World War II that he volunteered in 1942 -- not telling anyone he was only 16.

It was right after President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that Marine Corps desegregate, making Parros one of the first 20,000 African-Americans to do what had never been before.

Ironically, he and the other recruits were segregated for training at Montford Point Camp at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina before deploying overseas.

The Marines fought in many of history's bloodiest conflicts, including Guam, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.

Parros said recognition of the Montford Marines was long overdue.

Of the original 20,000, only 368 Montford Point Marines, including Parros, are alive.

“For me, it’s a wonderful experience, but I think, more so to myself," he said. "I wish that there were more fellas here that are deserving of this reward."

The other living Montford Point Marines were honored in June at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Contact Us