[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E83]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. GEORGE GRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS MacARTHUR

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. MacARTHUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George Gray of 
New Jersey's Third Congressional District, and to express my sincerest 
gratitude to him for his service to our nation and commend him as to 
all of his accomplishments, specifically his Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. Gray has received a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of 
his status as a Montford Point Marine. This medal is the highest 
civilian honor bestowed by Congress and recognizes Mr. Gray as one of 
the first African American Marines to enlist in World War II.
  After enlistment, Mr. Gray was sent to the segregated boot camp for 
African American Marines, Montford Point. Conditions were severe and 
required the utmost mental perseverance and will to go on. Mr. Gray was 
determined to prove himself as a more than competent Marine. After 
completing basic training at Montford Point, he spent four years at war 
with the 51st Defense Battalion. He fought valiantly for our ideals and 
to assist in liberation efforts in the Pacific.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of New Jersey's Third Congressional District 
are tremendously proud to have Mr. George Gray as an involved member of 
their community. It is my honor to recognize both his personal military 
accomplishments, as well as his contributions to ending segregation in 
the military, and honorably serving and protecting our country in World 
War II, before the United States House of Representatives.

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