Youngstown Marines present Congressional Gold Medal to local veteran Published Aug. 24, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Brenda Haines 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs PULASKI, Penn. -- Three U.S. Marines with 4th Landing Support Equipment Company based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, presented a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed on civilians by Congress, Aug. 24, 2012 to Evans Hunter, a Montford Point Marine, during a ceremony outside his home here. Hunter, one of the first African-Americans in the Marine Corps, served as a sergeant from April 10, 1943 to Aug. 3, 1945, during a time when most African-Americans were struggling for their civil rights. "I would like to congratulate the Montford Point Marines on the Congressional Gold Medal minted in their honor," said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps. "They answered our nation's call despite our society being deeply divided along racial lines. This recognition is long overdue and richly deserved." Congress awarded the Montford Point Marines the Congressional Gold Medal June 27, 2012 for outstanding perseverance and courage that inspired social change for the Marine Corps. Because Hunter was unable to make the trip to Washington D.C. to accept the medal, Youngstown's own Marines answered the call to ceremoniously present the award to a brother-in-arms. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Emiliano DeLeon, inspector instructor, First Sgt. Eric P. Bauer, first sergeant, and Sgt. Taurean Terry, administrative clerk, all with 4th LSE, presented the award in front of several of Hunter's friends and family during a morning ceremony that took place on Hunter's 88th birthday. "To me, they were heroic for two reasons: They fought against the enemy during World War II while they also fought for their civil rights and the respect of their fellow Americans," Amos said.