Cpl. Alcee Gholar Sr., a lifelong resident of Prentiss and Silver Creek, was honored recently at a distinguished awards ceremony recognizing his exceptional service in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

Gholar was among the pioneering Montford Point Marines, a group of over 20,000 African-American men who bravely served as the first African Americans in the Marine Corps at the start of the war.

The recruits trained at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina from Aug. 26, 1942, until the camp was decommissioned on Sept. 9, 1949.

Their courage and dedication not only contributed significantly to the Marine Corps but also paved the way for future generations of African-American service members.

Gholar served in WWII from Jan. 31, 1944, to June 25, 1946, and was deployed in the Pacific. He died in 2001.

The awards ceremony took place at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina on Aug. 23 where Gholar’s family received the Congressional Gold Medal (bronze replica), the oldest and highest civilian honor in the United States.

“The event was filled with emotion and deep appreciation for Cpl. Gholar’s service, and the turnout was remarkable,” said Gholar’s granddaughter, Dr. Kim Avery.

There were 30 recipients that received an award on behalf of a loved one including the Gholar family. In attendance were also nine of the original Montford Point Marines.

“On behalf of the Prentiss Fire Department we would like to give a huge thank you to Mayor Charley Dumas and the Board of Aldermen with the Town of Prentiss for the opportunity to take part in a very special moment this morning as we remember the tragedy that occurred 23 years ago,” said Prentiss Fire Chief Michael Davis.

“Thank you to everyone who made it out this morning to participate and a special thanks the Prentiss Police Department and Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department,” said Davis.

“Most importantly, we give credit to our Lord and Savior for allowing us to remember those who fell that day.”