Milwaukee Marine, among the first African Americans to enlist, receives Congressional Gold Medal
Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Sunday, August 18, 2019, Milwaukee veteran William Coffer, Jr., received the Congressional Gold Medal for being one of the first African Americans to enlist in the military during times of segregation. Many consider Coffer to be a true American hero, and as such, he received the nation’s highest civilian honor – the Congressional Gold Medal.
During a ceremony held at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2432 N. Teutonia Ave., Coffer celebrated along with friends, family, and other veterans. Keeping his remarks brief, Coffer said he was honored to serve his country, he’s proud of the legacy he left as a Marine, and he hopes other Marines who follow in his footsteps will continue to hold themselves to a similar standard of service.
On Sunday, August 18, 2019, Milwaukee veteran William Coffer, Jr., received the Congressional Gold Medal for being one of the first African Americans to enlist in the military during times of segregation. Many consider Coffer to be a true American hero, and as such, he received the nation’s highest civilian honor – the Congressional Gold Medal.
