Southern Nixon, Jr., Honored with Congressional Gold Medal
Press Release
Submission Date: August 28, 2012
Release Date: For Immediate Release
Contact: J.D. Hardin, 770-957-5107 ext. 608, john.hardin@henry.k12.ga.us
Southern Nixon, Jr., Honored with Congressional Gold Medal
HENRY COUNTY, GA – When studying the history of our nation and the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, there are thousands upon thousands of individuals who deserve their place in the hearts and minds of a grateful nation. In each branch of the military there have been trailblazers laying the path for many men and women to follow in their footsteps.
The beginning of World War II saw the United States still troubled with tense race relations. In an effort to integrate the military, then President Franklin D. Roosevelt made things easier for African Americans to serve in active duty by issuing Executive Order 8802 to establish fair employment practices which began to erase discrimination in the Armed Forces. One of the first results of this order included the recruitment of African Americans into the Marines. One young soldier took the brave step in the early 1940’s to become one of the few and the proud – Southern Nixon, Jr., became a Marine.
The basic training African-American Marines received during this period took place at Montford Point in North Carolina. Their white counterparts trained nearby at Camp Lejeune. The nearly 20,000 African-American soldiers to train at the segregated camp from 1942-1949 became known as the Montford Point Marines.
Retired Private First Class Nixon was honored today for being one of the trailblazers for future generations of soldiers by accepting the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a civilian can receive.
Surrounded by his family, younger military brethren, co-workers, and students of the school where he works, PFC Nixon received his medal in the Woodland Middle School gym during an official ceremony which included the presentation of colors by the Marine Color Guard, as well as remarks from current military officials and remarks sent by President Obama.
The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines became law after passage of House Resolution 2447 by both chambers of Congress and the signature of the President during the Fall of 2011. An official ceremony was held in Washington, D.C., nearly three months ago to recognize the Montford Point Marines and present them with their medals. Those unable to make the ceremony have been able to receive their medals during local ceremonies.
Nixon, 85, has been employed as a school nutrition assistant at Woodland Middle School for the past three years. He and his wife of 27 years have nine children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.