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First Sergeant William "Jack" McDowell was a Montford Point Marine, one of the first Black Americans to serve in the Marine Corps, who fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, and received three Purple Hearts and a Congressional Gold Medal. Here's a more detailed look at his service: •Early Life and Joining the Marines: McDowell, born in Brooklyn, NY, joined the Marine Corps in 1945, at age 17, after his brother's stories inspired him. •Montford Point Training: He trained at Montford Point, a segregated Marine training facility in North Carolina, where the first Black Marines were trained. •World War II: He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including on Okinawa, where he provided security for water deliveries to Nagasaki. •Korean War: During the Korean War, he served as a section leader, retrieving fallen soldiers from the battlefield. •Vietnam War: In Vietnam, he was wounded in the leg during a search and destroy mission, earning a Purple Heart. •Awards and Recognition: ◦Three Purple Heart medals ◦Bronze Star Medal ◦Congressional Gold Medal(awarded to the Montford Point Marines) •Legacy: McDowell's service and experiences as a Montford Point Marine highlight the challenges and triumphs of Black Marines during a period of segregation and integration in the military. •Service Summary: ◦Wars/Conflicts: World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War ◦Units: 5th Marine Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, 1st Combat Service Group, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division ◦Locations: Okinawa, Korea, Vietnam, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Montford Point ◦Highest Rank: First Sergeant