Ella Jackson, a 93-year-old widow, receives a Congressional Gold Medal replica in lieu of her late husband, Master Sgt. George Jackson, in Port Royal, S.C., Oct. 2. George Jackson enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and retired after 27 years of service in 1969. Brigadier General Terry Williams, the first African-American commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, presented Jackson with the medal at a ceremony. In 2012, congress awarded the Montford Point Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States' highest civilian award bestowed by congress. - Ella Jackson, a 93-year-old widow, receives a Congressional Gold Medal replica in lieu of her late husband, Master Sgt. George Jackson, in Port Royal, S.C., Oct. 2. George Jackson enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and retired after 27 years of service in 1969. Brigadier General Terry Williams, the first African-American commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, presented Jackson with the medal at a ceremony. In 2012, congress awarded the Montford Point Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal, the United States' highest civilian award bestowed by congress.