From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Polin, Edward, Jr.
(born: June 17, 1921 - died: June 29, 2005)Polin was born in Washington County, KY, the son of Edward Sr. and Sarah Polin. According to the 1930 U.S. Federal Census, the family of five lived on Kentucky State Highway 152.
Edward Polin, Jr. is thought to be the first African American from Kentucky to enlist in the U. S. Marine Corps. He served in World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He is buried in the Springfield Cemetery Hill in Springfield, KY.
For more see "Edward Polin, first black Marines enlistee from Kentucky, dies at 84," Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/2/05, section B, p. 4; his photograph and burial site at Find-A-Grave.; and his Marine Corps dress uniform at the Kentucky Historical Society.
