One of the first Black men to join US Marine Corps honored by Va. leaders on his birthday

PRINCE WILLIAMS COUNTY, Va. — Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Carroll Braxton is walking, talking, Black history.

Born in 1924 in Manassas, Virginia, Braxton was one of the first Black U.S. Marines. He enlisted in 1943 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing people of all races to join the military. The U.S. was preparing to enter World War II and needed recruits. Braxton trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point in North Carolina, facing prejudice but helping break racial barriers within the Marines.

After boot camp, Braxton served as a Marine Drill Instructor until his deployment overseas with the Fifth Replacement Depot Company. Braxton and his unit fought a series of battles in the Pacific War in 1945 where he earned the rank of Sergeant. In 1946, Braxton joined the Marine Reserves but was called back to active duty at Camp Lejeune during the Korean War.

After retirement, Braxton worked as a procurement analyst at the Cameron Station Army Base in Alexandria. He also established the American Legion Post in his hometown of Manassas.

On Tuesday, Braxton continued his 100th birthday celebration with his family at the Virginia General Assembly. The assembly started their session commending Braxton for his 33 years of service, declaring it "Carroll Braxton Day."

Republican Delegate Ian Lovejoy originally introduced Tuesday's commendation as House Resolution 560 on Jan. 29, 2025. It passed unanimously.

After Lovejoy's introduction, Braxton received a resounding standing ovation and cheers from the General Assembly and their guests.

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Virginia has often honored this storied part of American history.

Last July, Virginia Representative to the U.S. House Jennifer Wexton recognized Braxton ahead of his 100th birthday on the House floor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me today in congratulating Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Carroll Braxton on the occasion of his 100th birthday, and for his outstanding service and sacrifice, on behalf of a grateful Nation," said Wexton.

In March 2023, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors proclaimed Feb. 28 “Montford Point Marine Day" --- Braxton witnessed the commemoration. Prince William County is home to Quantico Marine Base in the Potomac District. Many veterans and active service members are the beneficiaries of sacrifices made by the Montford Point Marines.

Braxton was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress in 2012 for his contributions as a Montford Point Marine. Montford Point is now part of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina --- the main Marine Corps infantry base for the East Coast --- and is called Camp Johnson after one of those first Black marines.

Beyond his military career, Braxton was an active community leader, and in 2020, a local school was renamed in honor of Braxton and his wife Celestine.