Columbus man honored for his service during World War II

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Columbus man was honored for his service during World War II.

Corporal Willie James Humphries is a 98-year-old veteran who served in the Marine Corps during World War II.

He was honored by the National Montford Point Marine Association, a group dedicated to commemorating African-American marines who served at Montford Point Camp.

Humphries was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service. According to Lieutenant Colonel Janice Mitchell, it is crucial for the association to pay tribute to those who may have been forgotten.

“We have a responsibility to recognize and identify and honor those marines that paved the way for us. We want to be able to recognize them for their service and their sacrifice,” said Lieutenant Colonel Janice Mitchell, National Montford Point Marine Association.

The National Montford Point Marine Association is continually working to find and honor more of these men.

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