Remembering Sgt. Major Joseph Roquemore

Joseph Adan Roquemore was born in Bivins, Texas, a small east Texas town and graduated from high school at Booker T. Washington High in Atlanta, Texas in 1961.

He worked in the woods for a week and worked at a service station until he took a hot radiator cap off and got burned. And he said, “this is not for me”.

He joined the United States Marine Corp in August 1961. After boot camp he came back to Atlanta and married his high school sweetheart, Clemmie Jane Edwards in June of 1963.

Joseph is the only African American in Texas to become a Sergeant Major in the Marine Corp. E9 if the highest rank for enlistment.

His decorations include, Rifle Expert (Seventh Award) Pistol Sharpshooter badge: Meritorious Mast: Combat Action Ribbon: Presidential Unit Citation: National Defense Service Medal: Vietnam Service Medal with three stars: Republic Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Cross of Gallantry with palm and frame: Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device: Letter of Appreciation (Fourth Award) CINCPAC certificate of Merit: Certificate of Appreciation: Navy Achievement Medal: Navy Commendation Medal: Meritorious Unit Commendation: Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Second Award) Good Conduct Medal (Eighth Award) Good Conduct Medal period commences 850824(Ninth Award).

He traveled all over the world, California (Camp Pendleton) Hawaii, Virgina and Florida. He raised a daughter and son that travelled with him. After retiring out of the Marines he moved back to Texas to his home he bought in 1975.

He could not stay still and took a job at the local McDonalds where he ran it like basic training, clean uniforms, hair combed, and the place was clean. He left there and sold cars for Pete Mankins and McClarty Ford and became top salesman.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grands. He went to be the Lord, July 25, 2023. I salute you Sgt. Major and thank for your Service.