A United States Marine who went through training and served at a time during segregation was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal Thursday. Robert Lee Crittenden chose to enlist in the 1940s despite the myriad challenges to do so in that era. Between 1942 and 1949, about 20,000 African American men chose to serve despite hostile segregation and became known as the Montford Point Marines. They were based out of North Carolina. These men paved the way for integrated armed forces as they served in Peleliu, Iwo Jima, the Chosen Reservoir, Vietnam and more. The Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the U.S., was given Thursday at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot to honor Crittenden. His daughter Robin Rayford said he would be proud of the recognition. FULL STORY: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/community/our-community/montford-point-marine-awarded-congressional-gold-medal/509-e9f33604-e6f8-4578-b483-1d259ff85caa