Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 1496: Nichols, Robert Elmo, Sr.; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 25, 2026 · Passed

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House Resolution 1496

By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, Moore of the 91st, Sharper of the 177th, Sanchez of the 42nd, and McClain of the 109th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, from 1798 until 1942, African Americans were denied the opportunity to serve in the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, in 1942, under a presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt, African American men were finally allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps, becoming known as the Montford Point Marines-the first Black Marines in American history; and

WHEREAS, Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr. was born on September 23, 1923, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Jeffrey Napoleon Nichols and Maggie Sykes Nichols; and

WHEREAS, a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1943, Robert, affectionately known as "Elmo," answered the call to serve his country during World War II and became one of the pioneering African Americans recruited into the Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, he was assigned to the 54th Defense Battalion at Montford Point, the segregated training facility established for Black Marine recruits in Jacksonville, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, following his honorable service in World War II, Robert continued his pursuit of excellence by attending Virginia State College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps; and

WHEREAS, while serving as an elementary school teacher, he continued his distinguished military career and ultimately retired from the Army Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; and

WHEREAS, Robert further devoted 34 years of service to the Norfolk Naval Supply Center, exemplifying dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr., along with his fellow Montford Point Marines, received the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C., a long-overdue national recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and historic role in reshaping the United States military; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Nichols, Sr.'s life stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, integrity, and trailblazing service that helped break racial barriers and pave the way for future generations of Marines and service members.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join in honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr., and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.