Welcome from the Montford Point Marines, and James E Stewart Jr President Montford Point Marines 28, and 2004 Montford Point Marines Man Of The Year.
James E Stewart Jr was awarded the following military decorations: National Defense Service Medal (US), Vietnam Service Medal (US), Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon (US), Navy Unit Citation (US), Presidential Unit Citation (US), Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm (RVN), Military Merit Medal (RVN) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Date (RVN).
The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to armed forces units of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy on or after December 7, 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination and esprit de corps under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.
History on Tape Button
THE HISTORY OF MONTFORD POINT MARINES
The Montford Point Marines were the first African-Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps. The black Marines were segregated at Montford Point Camp to train between 1942-1949. The men served in all-black units, mostly in the Pacific Theater, and distinguished themselves while battling racism from within and enemies from without. In 1965, the Montford Point Marine Association, a military service group, was founded following a convention of former Montford Point Marines.
The integration of the American military was a long process that started in 1941 with an executive order by President Roosevelt that was intended to create fair employment practices in the United States Armed Forces. In 1942, Montford Point Camp was established so that African-American Marine recruits could train. 20,000 men trained at the camp, but the Montford Point Marines were not allowed into neighboring all-white camps without being accompanied by a white Marine. In 1949, President Truman signed another executive order to force full integration of the United States: in the same year, the first African-American woman, Annie Graham, enlisted in the Marines.
The Montford Point Marines are often hailed as important figures in American history, because they willingly fought to protect a nation that still did not offer them basic civil rights. Today, African-Americans make up approximately 20% of the United States Armed Forces. The Montford Point Marines helped to integrate the armed forces and to encourage respect for African-American men and women in the armed forces.
In 1965, a reunion of Marines was held in Philadelphia which included former Montford Point Marines along with Marines on active duty. Over 400 men showed from from all over the country, and they decided to establish the Montford Point Marine Association, one of many nonprofit veterans programs which exist all over the United States to help people in need and preserve military history. The Association has many chapters, and is a member of the Marine Corps Council, which is a council of Marine-related service groups.
The Montford Point Marine Association maintains a National Museum and archives pertaining to the Montford Point Marines, and also works to build ties of friendship in the communities in which it is active. A convention is held annually to celebrate the Montford Point Marines, make organizational decisions, and distribute scholarships
CLICK TO SEE VIDEO MADE BY MY SON STACY STEWART
James T. Averhart
National President
Chief Warrant Officer 4
Montford Point Marine Association Inc
Greetings to the Montford Point Marines, Members, Friends, and Supporters…
As we have embarked on a banner year, as your new President I am indeed excited at the possibilities that our association will experience in the upcoming years. I remain committed to our cause in “Preserving the Legacy” of the 19,866 Black Men known as Montford Point Marines.
As your National President I will continue to move forward in the direction that has been laid for us and beyond. I will continue to confidently implement the vision, intent and goals in an assertive and professional manner in order to achieve the short and long term goals desired. Together, these goals are what we can implement with Commitment, Communication, Education, Recruitment, and Information sharing.
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for us to ensure that the story of the Montford Point Marines is not only told -but heard. I ask that each one of you take a moment to reflect on where this association has come from, where we are today, and where we desire to go in the future.
I would like to thank the National Executive Council, Chapter Presidents and the members of this association for your support. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank our Past National President, Mr. Joe Geeter and his administration for their hard work. We are committed to making a smooth transition within the coming weeks to ensure the efforts of this association is without fail.
May God continue to bless our “Original Montford Pointers” and our Association.
“Lest We Forget, the Blood we Shed”…
Semper Fidelis!
James T. Averhart, Jr. National President Montford Point Marines Association Inc.
JAMES CARR National Vice President Montford Point Marines Association Inc.
As the New York Chapter President - and National Vice President Montford Point Marines Association Inc. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting our Website and your interest in our organization. As you view our site you will find useful information that we hope will stimulate and educate. Besides those links which are helpful to veterans, you will also find links to the National Organizations which will guide you through the legacy which is Montford Point. If you are a service member (Active, Reserve, Retired) we invite you to join us at one of our meetings. These meetings are held the 2nd Saturday of each month (except August). Your experience as a service member means something and can be a valuable asset to this organization and it's programs. . During the past year we have increased our electronic presence – by the development of our website (http://mpmanyc.com) a steady newsletter local, national, related social events, as well as being involved in National issues that are important to the community.
Marines of Montford Point visit with members of the United States Senate. Senators Durbin and Burris both from Illinois join in a conversation with MPMA President James Averhart, MPMA Public Relations Officer Joe Geeter, along with Original Montford Pointers George Kidd, Joe Carpenter, James Ferguson, while at a US Senate visit in Washington DC.
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JAMES CARR National Vice President Montford Point Marines Association Inc.
