Williams, Harold L., COL

Presidential Certificate of Appreciation

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 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COL. HOWARD L. WILLIAMS (RET)
                                 ______
                                
                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
                               of Florida
                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the passing of
Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), affectionately known as ``Chappie,''
who sadly passed away on March 25, 2016.
  Born and raised in Emporia, VA, Chappie worked briefly in the Norfolk
Navy Yard after high school and then, in 1943, enlisted in the United
States Marine Corps with the 123rd Platoon at Montford Point Camp, New
River, North Carolina. After completing segregated boot training, he
served with honor in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of WW II as a member
of the 1st Marine Ammunition Company 7th Depot. His company provided
ammunition support in the Marshall Islands, Saipan and landed on D Day
at Okinawa in support of the 1st & 6th Marines Division.
  In September 1945, Chappie went ashore with the first troops of the 1st Marine Division 3rd Amphibious Corps in North China to perform occupation duty.
  He was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1946, and as a result of the GI Bill attended Virginia State University, where he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education. While
attending Virginia State he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the ROTC. Chappie served in the military for over 30 years in numerous assignments with the United States Marines Corp, Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of full Colonel as
the Director for Supply and Transportation in the 510th Field Depot, United States Army.
  After college, he began a long career teaching in the Baltimore City Public Schools at Harlem Park Middle, Dunbar High, and at Baltimore City College, finally retiring from the Baltimore City School Board in
1994.
  Chappie was the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to organizations in the community. In June 2012, he received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in the segregated Marine Corp units known as the Montford Point Marines.
  He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marilyn, and two devoted sons, Michael and David.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud to remember the life and legacy of Colonel Howard L. Williams (Ret), who served this nation with honor and distinction. He will be dearly missed by all.