Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined the family of the late Corporal Joseph Anthony Budd, Congressman Richard Neal, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Veterans Director Joseph DeCaro, and city and state officials for a special Posthumous Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Springfield’s Corporal Joseph Anthony Budd on Saturday afternoon at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center.
Joseph A. Budd served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during World War II. He would go on to become the first black Springfield Police Officer, and first black officer to rise to the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and ultimately Captain of the Springfield Police Department.
During Budd’s time with the USMC, between 1941 to 1949, the USMC segregated African American and black recruits from their white counterparts at the Montford Point Training Area in Jacksonville, North Carolina. In addition to their service in armed conflict, the Montford Point Marines also faced significant challenges on the home front.
Their journey began with the struggle to become Marines as they confronted pervasive racism both within the Marine Corps during WWII and in American society. The Montford Point Marines, also known as the “Forgotten Warriors” were often relegated to menial tasks and denied combat roles despite completing the rigorous training program, often more strenuous than recruits from other depots. As the need for capable fighters increased, President Franklin D. Roosevelt directed the Montford Point Marines to actively contribute to the war effort as a combat Marines.
In recognition of their courageous efforts and to honor their place in our nation’s history, the Montford Point Marines were awarded the highest civilian honor in the United States for their valiant wartime service. In November 2011, President Barack Obama signed legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines, honoring their distinguished service and enduring legacy.
Sadly, like Corporal Budd, most of the United States’ first Black Marines have passed away. Therefore, the special Congressional Gold Medal recognition is given posthumously and will be presented to Corporal Budd’s family this Saturday at a ceremony in Springfield, Budd’s hometown.
Following his service to the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, Joseph Budd also served for 31 years in the Springfield Police Department before he retired in 1977. He became the department's first black sergeant in 1952 and eventually the first black captain in 1976. He died in 1986. Captain Budd was a well-respected member of the Springfield Police and his legacy of service and professionalism will continue to be remembered here in Springfield. Budd was awarded 31 commendations, during his career as a police officer. He received many other honors, including the William Pynchon Civic Award and Springfield Urban League Community Youth Service Award. The Springfield Police Department’s youth assessment center is named in Captain Joseph Budd’s honor. Also, as stated by Mayor Sarno, when a new police department I built it will be named after Captain Joe Budd too.
Mayor Sarno states, “I commend President Barack Obama for ensuring that the brave, dedicated, and trailblazing service members of the Montford Point Marines were officially recognized by our U.S. government, as they should have been long ago. I am honored to join in celebrating USMC Corporal/SPD Captain Budd’s legacy of service, sacrifice, patriotism, and respect. As the first black Americans to serve in the USMC, Corporal Budd and the Montford Point Marines opened the door for so many others and for future generations. It is so important that we take the time to honor and remember these American heroes. I have known the Budd Family for many years and they have a long history of blazing trails in public service, including Joseph’s son U.S. Attorney Wayne Budd; daughter former Springfield Public Schools Principal and Assistant Superintendent Celeste Budd Jackson; and granddaughter Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Kimberly Budd. On behalf of the City of Springfield, I extend our sincerest gratitude to Corporal Joseph Budd and family for your dedication and service to our Springfield community and to our country.”
