In a groundbreaking moment for civil rights and military history, the United States Marine Corps reluctantly opened its doors to African American recruits in 1942, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.
These trailblazers, known as the Montford Point Marines, were the first African Americans to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Breaking Down Barriers: Montford Point and the Integration of African Americans in the Marine Corps
Prior to 1942, the Marine Corps had steadfastly refused to recruit African Americans, American Indians, and other minorities. It wasn’t until President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s creation of the Fair Employment Practices Commission in 1941 that the Corps, despite objections from its leadership, was forced to begin recruiting African American Marines.
The first African American Marine recruits received their basic training at the segregated Montford Point Base adjacent to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This segregation was a reflection of the deep-seated racism and discrimination that existed within the military at the time.
A Reluctant Acceptance and a Harsh Reality
The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General Thomas Holcomb, was vehemently opposed to the integration of African Americans, famously stating in 1942, “If it were a question of having a Marine Corps of 5,000 whites or 250,000 Negroes, I would rather the whites.”
Despite this resistance, the Montford Point Marines faced a harsh reality upon their arrival. St. Louis native Walter Thompson Jr. recalled, “When you got to the gate, it was nothing there.” The training grounds were just a few miles away from Camp Lejeune, where white recruits were trained in state-of-the-art facilities.
Enduring Prejudice and Proving Their Worth
The Montford Point Marines faced constant discrimination and prejudice during their training, with white instructors subjecting them to racial slurs and harsh treatment.
Carroll William Braxton, who enlisted in 1943, remembered, “They made us line up and empty our pockets, and shouted, ‘We don’t want those knives in here,’ I guess they thought we always had knives, you know.”
Despite these challenges, the Montford Point Marines excelled, proving their worth on the battlefield. Between 1942 and 1949, about 20,000 African-American Marine recruits trained at Montford Point, with 12,000 deployed overseas.
Paving the Way for Integration
The Montford Point Marines played a significant role in breaking down the barriers of segregation within the military. In November 1945, Frederick C. Branch became the first African American to earn a commission in the Marine Corps, paving the way for future generations of African American officers.
Racial segregation within the Armed Forces was finally banned by executive order shortly after World War II, with civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph once again playing a pivotal role in pressuring President Harry Truman to desegregate the military.
A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration
The history of the Montford Point Marines remains largely unexamined, but efforts are underway to document their contributions and honor their service. In 2012, the Montford Point Marines were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing their role as trailblazers and their resilience in the face of discrimination.
Today, the legacy of the Montford Point Marines continues to inspire and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
