WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) — The first four-star African-American general in United States Marine Corps history, General Michael E. Langley credits the achievement to his father, who told him to “look higher” and predicted his promotion on Saturday. Will resonate among the youth.
Langley was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and grew up on military bases as his father served in the Air Force. Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1985.
“My dad told me to look taller, so I looked as high as I could and found something more proud,” the soldier said during a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks in Washington. members of your family.
The Marine Corps, whose roots go back to 1775, did not accept African-Americans into their ranks until 1942, a change that followed the 1941 attack on the American air base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and America’s involvement in World War II. Happened.
The US military ended racial segregation in 1948 through an executive order from President Harry Truman.
Three decades later, the first African-American Marine was promoted to a one-star general in 1979.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in June that President Joe Biden had proposed Langley’s promotion. He was promoted to the rank of commander of the United States Command for Africa based in Stuttgart, Germany. The Senate confirmed the appointment on Monday.
“The historic milestone and what it means for the Marine Corps is essential,” Langley said during Saturday’s ceremony, reports the Marine Corps.
“Not because of the mark left in history, but because of its further impact, especially among young people across society who want to aspire and who see the Marine Corps as an opportunity,” he said. ” They said.
