(Columbia, SC) – Congressman Jim Clyburn will present a Congressional Gold Medal to Florence, S.C. resident, Reverend Dr. Vandroth Backus, a Montford Point Marine. 

Montford Point Marines included more than 19,000 African Americans that trained at Montford Point Camp during World War II before the Armed Services were desegregated.  In 2012, the 368 surviving members of this group were honored during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

The presentation will occur on Wednesday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m. in Columbia District office at 1225 Lady Street, Suite 200.

Rev. Dr. Backus is a Montford Point Marine who is a resident of Florence, S.C. where he served as the first black policemen in the City of Florence since reconstruction.  He also served as an educator in the Darlington Public School System for 14 years, and worked for Morris College, his alma mater, for many years.  Rev. Dr. Backus served his country during World War II and the Korean War and is married to Florence Smith Backus and they are parents to three children.

WHO: Congressman Jim Clyburn

WHAT: Congressional Gold Medal Presentation to Reverend Dr. Vandroth Backus

WHEN: Wednesday, Octobers 15, 2014 - 11:00 a.m.                  

WHERE: 1225 Lady Street, Suite 200 Columbia, SC 29201

CONTACT: Amanda Loveday – Amanda.Loveday@mail.house.gov