The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce Gunnery Sgt. Danny Gonzalez of College Park, Maryland as a recipient of one of the Foundation’s 2026 Annual Awards. He will be honored at the Annual Awards Dinner on April 25 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.
Gunnery Sgt. Gonzalez received the Sergeant Major Dan Daly Award for his photography album, “31st MEU Blackhearts.”
Gonzalez is a COMMSTRAT Chief with more than 11 years of service, currently stationed at the Department of War Information Activity at Fort Meade, and has served with units including 1st Marine Division, multiple MEUs, I MIG, and 3d MLG. He has deployed throughout the Pacific and supported major exercises and events, and his imagery has earned multiple top honors across military photography and communication awards. He has completed several elite visual storytelling programs, holds two associate degrees, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in strategic communications at Syracuse University, and was recognized at the Eddie Adams Workshop with the Canon Award for Best Photo Story.
Gonzalez is among 20 recipients recognized this year for their exceptional portrayal of Marine Corps history, traditions, and culture across a range of disciplines, including photography, documentary filmmaking, journalism, poetry, nonfiction, and fiction writing.
"Through their exceptional talent and authenticity, these outstanding writers, artists, and photographers explore the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps,” said MajGen James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret), the Foundation's President and CEO. "We are privileged to highlight their remarkable work at our Foundation's Annual Awards and hope that their example inspires others to tell the story of our Marine Corps.”
Annual Awards recipients are selected by a panel of accomplished Marines and civilian experts. Past honorees include celebrated novelists, bestselling authors, national columnists, network producers, and active-duty Marines whose work reflects a deep commitment to accurately telling the Marine Corps story, often through firsthand experience in challenging and dangerous environments.
Each award recipient receives a gold medallion, a commemorative brick along the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park pathway adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and a cash prize.
The full list of award recipients is available on the Foundation’s website. For interviews with award recipients, please contact Haylee Sigafoose at hsigafoose@susandavis.com.