U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, center,

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, center, presents a Congressional Gold Medal to an original Montford Point Marine during a commemorative ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington in Washington, D.C., June 28, 2012. The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award in the United States, was given to honor the Montford Point Marines, the first African-Americans allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan K. Reitzel)