Executive Order #8802
1941-On June 25, FDR issued [ * ] Fair Employment Practice Commission which directed the Armed Forces of the U.S. to accept all recruits "regardless of color, race, creed or national origin." First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, A. Phillip Randolph, President of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Union, Lester B. Granger, Executive Director of the National Urban League and Special Advisor to Navy Secretary James Forrestal were notable supporters of this order.
all black marine enlistees
1942-June 1, the Marine Corps began recruitment of black enlistees. Montford Point Camp, Camp Lejeune, New River, N.C. (original site of the Civilian Conservation Corps) amidst a dense Carolina pine forest, infested with mosquitoes, snakes and bears was established as the recruit depot and advanced training facility for [ * ].
Alfred Masters the first black to be recruited
James E. "Jimmy" Stewart, Sr., my Father of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was responsible for the [ * ]and sworn in the USMC. Stewart himself eventually enlisted shortly after.
Howard Perry
On August 26th, [ * ] of Charlotte, NC, was the first black recruit to arrive at Montford Point Camp. H&S Battery of 51st Composite Defense Bn. was activated, Colonel Samuel A. Woods, C.O.
Ivan R. Elmore
1944- [ * ] of Washington, D.C., appointed Camp Band Drum Major and Bandmaster of the Montford Point Band.
Presidential Unit Citation
June 15th, 3rd Ammo, 18th, 19th and 20th Marine Depo Companies landed and engaged in fierce attacks with the enemy on Saipan and Tinian Islands in the Marianas. All elements wen awarded the [ * ] .
Bronze Star
July 21st, the 2nd and 4th Marine Ammo Companies landed on Guam, Marianas Islands. Cited for heroism and bravery, awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Luther Woodward of 4th Ammo cited with [ * ] .
"Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
1945-February 19th, the 8th Marine Ammo and 36th Marine Depot Companies landed on D-Day with elements of the First Amphibious Corps on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands. The 34th landed on the 24th. Private James M. Whitlock and James Davis of the 36th received the Bronze Star for "heroic achievements in connection with operations against the enemy." All units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Said Admiral Chester Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations: [ * ]
largest number of Black Marines served in combat
April 1st, Invasion of Okinawa, Ryuky Islands where the [ * ]. 1st, 3rd units 12th Ammo Co's; 5th, 18th, 37th, 38th Depot Companies, followed later with the 9th, 10th, 19th and 20th Depots.
Harry Lee Wright
[ * ] was first Black Marine to attain the rank of Sergeant Major.
occupation of Japan
September, [ * ] at Sasebo Naval Base, Forces included the 24th, 33rd, 34th, 42nd, 43rd Depot CO's. 6th, 8th and 10th Ammo CO's. The 36th followed in Oct.
PFC Frederick C. Branch
November 10th, [ * ] of Philadelphia was commissioned as a Reserve Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, thus becoming the 1st Black to attain this distinction.
Occupational campaign
[ * ]. 1946-Last Recruit Platoons at Montford Point Camp, 573, 574, 575th. Montford Point trained 19,168 with 12,738 serving overseas during World War II.
Executive Order #9981
1948- [ * ] issued by President Harry S. Truman ending color bias in the American armed forces.
Secretary of Navy Francis P. Matthews
1949-June 23rd, ALNAV 49-447, [ * ] issued "Equal opportunity for all personnel in the Navy/Marine Corps without regard of race, color religion or national origin."
Annie E. Graham
1949 Sept. 8th, First Black Woman Marine, [ * ], enlisted at Detroit, Michigan.
Montford Point Camp was deactivated
1949 Sept. 9th, [ * ]. Sgt Charles Shaw, USMC became First Black Marine Drill Instructor at Parris Island Recruit Depot.
First Black Woman Marine Officer.
Warrant Officer Annie L. Grimes of Chicago became [ * ]
MONTFORD POINT MARINES WERE THERE
[ * ] "The battle of Iwo Island has been won. The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat. By their victory, the 3d, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the 5th Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Amer-who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue."
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
