[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF HUGH VICTOR BROWNE II

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincere 
condolences and to honor the memory of Cpl. Hugh Victor Browne II for 
his achievements, contributions, and service to his community as a 
Marine, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
  A life-long Woodbury resident, Cpl. Browne graduated from Woodbury 
High School in June 1943 and was recruited into the Montford Point 
Marines, the military's first all-black Marine unit. Among the first 
from New Jersey recruited as a black Marine, Cpl. Browne, along with 
other 20,000 black men, dealt with racism and segregation and 
ultimately helped to break the Marine color barrier in the midst of 
World War II.
  In 2012, Cpl. Browne, along with his fellow servicemen in the 
Montford Point Marines, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our 
nation's highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement in the 
military.
  Cpl. Browne, the only surviving sibling of six children born to 
Baptist minister Rev. Sylvanus and Lovie Browne, was predeceased by his 
wife, Erma, and son Hugh Victor Browne III. However, his legacy will 
continue to serve as an inspiration to millions of Americans through 
his surviving children, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Cpl. Hugh Victor Browne II was an extraordinary man and 
proud United States Marine. He and his fellow black servicemen fought 
not only our nation's external enemies, but the scourge of racism and 
segregation and conquered them both. I join with my community and all 
of New Jersey in honoring the achievements and selfless service of this 
truly exceptional man.

                          ____________________