[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 73 (Tuesday, May 10, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COL. HOWARD L. WILLIAMS (RET)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passing of 
Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), affectionately known as ``Chappie,'' 
who sadly passed away on March 25, 2016.
  Born and raised in Emporia, VA, Chappie worked briefly in the Norfolk 
Navy Yard after high school and then, in 1943, enlisted in the United 
States Marine Corps with the 123rd Platoon at Montford Point Camp, New 
River, North Carolina. After completing segregated boot training, he 
served with honor in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of WW II as a member 
of the 1st Marine Ammunition Company 7th Depot. His company provided 
ammunition support in the Marshall Islands, Saipan and landed on D Day 
at Okinawa in support of the 1st & 6th Marines Division.
  In September 1945, Chappie went ashore with the first troops of the 
1st Marine Division 3rd Amphibious Corps in North China to perform 
occupation duty.
  He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1946, and as a result 
of the GI Bill attended Virginia State University, where he graduated 
in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education. While 
attending Virginia State he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in 
the ROTC. Chappie served in the military for over 30 years in numerous 
assignments with the United States Marines Corp, Army National Guard 
and the US Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of full Colonel as 
the Director for Supply and Transportation in the 510th Field Depot, 
United States Army.
  After college, he began a long career teaching in the Baltimore City 
Public Schools at Harlem Park Middle, Dunbar High, and at Baltimore 
City College, finally retiring from the Baltimore City School Board in 
1994.
  Chappie was the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to 
organizations in the community. In June 2012, he received the 
Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the segregated Marine Corp 
units known as the Montford Point Marines.
  He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marilyn, and two devoted sons, 
Michael and David.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to remember the life and legacy of 
Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), who served this nation with honor and 
distinction. He will be dearly missed by all.

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