WWII veteran posthumously honored with high school diploma through Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), in partnership with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, honored veteran Marvin N. Minter posthumously with a high school diploma on Dec. 16 as part of the 16th Annual Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project.

Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project provides veterans whose education was interrupted due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War or interment in a Japanese American relocation camp, with retroactive high school diplomas.

Minter was a World War II veteran whose high school education was interrupted in 1943 to enlist in the Army. His recognition was largely due to the curiosity and research conducted by his great-granddaughter Peyton Brown, who was born after his passing in 2000 to Hardy Brown II and Sonietta Brown. Among many profound discoveries, Peyton learned that her great-grandfather had not graduated from high school, encouraging her family to apply for Operation Recognition.

County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre presented Minter’s daughter, former Assemblymember Cheryl Brown who represented the 47th Assembly District, with an Operation Recognition medal, Minter’s high school diploma and an Army flag from the World War II era beautifully framed alongside a photo of Minter in his uniform more than eight decades ago. Overwhelmed with tears of pride and joy, Hon. Brown walked through a congratulatory procession of local officials including Veterans Affairs Director Matt Knox.

“It is important that we ensure veterans like Marvin Minter are not forgotten,” said Knox. “They have sacrificed so much for our country.”

The ceremony continued with a surprise appearance by Dr. Gilbert Contrez, president of San Bernardino Valley College, who granted Minter an honorary associate’s degree.

Minter served in General Patton’s Third Army in a predominantly Black unit during a time of segregation and later supported the logistics operation Red Ball Express, providing necessary supplies to Allied forces after the primary landing on D-Day. Receiving Minter’s high school diploma was priceless for his family.

Since the project’s inception, nearly 300 high school diplomas have been presented to veterans in San Bernardino County through the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project.

San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs ensures veterans and their families receive the dignity and service they have earned by providing claims assistance, education, advocacy and outreach services that align with the Countywide Vision. For more information, visit the Veterans Affairs website.

Additional County Update News – December 19, 2024