Toledo Marine Receives Long Overdue Honor Nearly a Decade After Death

Toledo, Ohio, has a reason to feel proud. Jack Baker, a native son and a Montford Point Marine, was recently honored nearly a decade after his death. The Montford Point Marines were the first Black men to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations.

From 1942 to 1949, these trailblazers trained under segregated conditions at a site distinct from their white counterparts at Camp Lejeune. Their dedication and bravery were finally recognized in 2011 when President Obama awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal.

Jack Baker, a lifelong Toledoan and Woodward High School graduate, was one of about 20,000 Black men known as Montford Point Marines. His life is a story of service, sacrifice, and an honor decades in the making. His daughter, DeMita Baker, shared how he emphasized education and good citizenship, making sure his children were well taken care of.

Although Jack Baker rarely spoke of his military hardships, his family has learned much about his service years, thanks to a cousin who is a Lt. Colonel stationed at Camp Lejeune. Jack served in the Pacific theater during World War II, contributing to significant military operations without ever boasting about it.

Jack Baker passed away in 2015, but his family ensured his legacy was honored. More than a dozen family members traveled to North Carolina last weekend for a ceremony recognizing his service. They were presented with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Montford Point Marines.

This honor underscores the resilience and determination of Black Americans to thrive despite adversity. The ceremony was not just a recognition; it was a celebration of the spirit of overcoming and making history. DeMita Baker emphasized the importance of being recognized for the hardships endured and the history made.

The event also highlighted the need to spread awareness about the Montford Point Marines. Jack Baker's family is committed to sharing their father's legacy and hope to connect others who may have Montford Point Marine ancestors. They believe that more stories like theirs need to come to light, helping to identify the remaining few thousand Montford Point Marines out of the original 20,000.

Jack Baker's story is not just about individual heroism but about community and family honoring a piece of history that too often goes unrecognized. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of Toledo and the tenacity of those who paved the way for future generations, both within the military and beyond.