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.