Norton Statement on the Passing of LTC Henry Minton Francis, Sr., USA (Ret.), USMA 1944, 8th and Oldest Surviving African-American West Point Graduate
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today made the following statement on the passing of Henry Minton Francis, Sr., a fifth-generation Washingtonian who was a graduate of Dunbar High School and the 8th African-American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, on July 7, 2014 at the age of 93.
"I extend my sincere condolences to the Francis family on the loss of their husband and father after his long life of public service. After distinguishing himself as one of the first African Americans to graduate from West Point, LTC Francis served the United States in World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and later as a staff officer for the Comptroller of the Army and the Secretary of Defense. After his decades of selfless contributions to the protection our nation, Minton Francis served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw a monumental program within the agency that ensured equal rights and protections for women, minorities, and disabled Americans wishing to join the military service. Mr. Francis was also awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. We honor Henry Minton Francis, Sr. as a son of the District for his service to our country and our city, and for his distinguished career."