(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- The United State House of Representatives unanimously voted to award the nation's first black Marines the Congressional Gold Medal. North Carolina Congressman Brad Miller said that, at the time, the Montford Point Marines loved their country more than their country loved them.

North Carolina Congressman Walter Jones said this highest honor given by Congress is long overdue for the Montford Point Marines. "These men are a very important part of our country's history," said Jones.

The Montford Point Marines are the first African-Americans to join the Marine Corps at the start of World War II.  They received basic training at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina between 1942 and 1949. This is near Camp Lejeune. The black Marines were not allowed to enter Camp Lejeune unless accompanied by a white officer.

The U.S. Senate will consider a similar bill introduced in early September by Senators, including North Carolina's Kay Hagan and Richard Burr. The measure also has overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate.