Black Medal of Honor recipients memorialized at revamped park

From the NY Daily News, from Aug 17, 2011: Black Medal of Honor recipients memorialized at revamped park
Leroy Archible stood in his Marine beret before a crowd of servicemen in a picture-perfect park laced with rose bushes, lilies and American flags Tuesday, his voice wavering.

"This is a wonderful day and I'm happy .... It's been a rough road getting here."

The decorated Korean War veteran spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly revamped and renamed Charlton-Thompson Memorial Garden on Cauldwell Ave. in Morrisania.

"We had no money. We had a dream," he said.

That dream was to turn a 60-year-old eyesore named after the only two black Medal of Honor recipients of the Korean War into a fitting tribute.

With the help of fellow veteran Robert Gumbs and city and park officials, that dream was realized.

"What I hope is that we just don't cut a ribbon today," Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said. "That this garden becomes a civic lesson for our children."

Archible, a life-long Bronxite, said he had spent much of his time in the rundown playground, but was unaware of the men behind its name, Sgt. Cornelius Charlton and Pfc. William Thompson, who grew up in the neighborhood.

"Out of 87 African-American recipients of the Medal of Honor, two are from the Bronx," Gumbs said.

On a lush half-acre of oak trees and flowers, a towering flagstaff bears the stories of two hero's valor.

"What a joy to always have uncle Corny with us," said Charlton's niece Zenobia Penn, 60.

For James Thompson, 79, the hero's last living cousin and also a Korean War veteran, the day was "very moving, very, very moving," he said. "It tells me they haven't forgotten."

Charlton's nephew and namesake, Cornelius Charlton, came up from Maryland. He said his family is eternally grateful to Archible and Gumbs.

"We can't thank them enough ... because up until then, I didn't think many people cared that much," Charlton said.