Platt received The Colonel Joseph Alexander Award for his book “The Raider,” which explores the story of Evans Carlson, a Marine officer who founded "Carlson's Raiders," America's first special forces unit, during WWII.
A professor of history at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Platt specializes in Chinese-Western relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. “The Raider,” his fourth book, was supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities through its Public Scholar program. While his professional career has been entirely civilian, military service runs in his family—his father served in the Navy, his grandfather served in the Army during World War I, and his great-great uncle was a general in the Civil War.
Platt 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.