Montford Point Marines Awarded Congressional Gold Medal of Freedom

The Pinellas County Housing Authority was honored to be in attendance at an early observance of Veterans Day today where the Congressional Gold Medal of Freedom was presented to Montford Point Marines, Mr. William C. Scott (87), Mr. John Tyron Ayers (90) and the late Mr. Samuel L. Blossom. Gibbs High School.  Honor Guard and the VFW were on hand to present the colors. U.S. Marine Corp Major Richard D. Marshall from Marine Corps Forces Central Command, MacDill AFB, Florida presented the awards.

Following the ceremony the City of St. Petersburg unveiled Mr. Scott’s home that has been rehabbed through the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP), along with the help of the entire community. In recent years, Mr. Scott’s home in south St. Petersburg had fallen into disrepair, and at age 87, he needed assistance to rehabilitate his home and save it from structural damage and mounting codes violations. Through the SHIP program, volunteers and donations from various retailers, the city was able to offer Mr. Scott the assistance he needed to make the necessary repairs and stay in his home.

To see a few of the photo’s of today’s event and Mr. Scott’s home, please click here.

For more information about the Montford Point Marines please visit

In observance of Veterans Day, PCHA offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2013.