MONTFORD POINT MARINES (1942-1949)

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My friend’s father was one of the Montford Point Marines.  Until she told me his story, I had never heard of this unit of brave African American fighting men, who were ultimately honored with their own Congressional Medal design. So, I thought I would share this article that tells their story.

Gold Medal with images of Montford Point Marines
Photo Credit: Congressional Gold Medal Montford Point Marines

MONTFORD POINT MARINES (1942-1949)

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 24, 2007  CONTRIBUTED BY: GERRY BUTLER

With the beginning of World War II African Americans would get their chance to be in “the toughest outfit going,” the previously all-white Marine Corps.  The first recruits reported to Montford Point, a small section of land on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on August 26, 1942.  By October only 600 recruits had begun training although the call was for 1,000 for combat in the 51st and 52nd Composite Defense Battalions.

Initially the recruits were trained by white officers and non-commissioned
officers (NCOs) but citing a desire to have blacks train blacks, the Marines
quickly singled out several exceptional black recruits to serve as NCO drill
instructors.  In January 1943, Edgar R. Huff became the first black NCO as a
private first class. In February Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson, a 19-year veteran
of the Army and Navy, became the first Drill Sergeant.  By May 1943 all training
at Montford Point was done by black sergeants and drill instructors (DIs), with
Johnson as chief DI.  Both Johnson and Huff would be renowned throughout the
entire Marine Corps for their demanding training and exceptional leadership
abilities.

African American Montford Point Marines in formation
Montford Point Marines, ca. 1944 Image Ownership: Public Domain

The men of the 51st soon distinguished themselves as the finest artillery gunners in the Marine Corps, breaking almost every accuracy record in training.  Unfortunately, discrimination towards African American fighting abilities still existed and when shipped to the Pacific, the 51st and 52nd were posted to outlying islands away from the primary action.  The only Montfort Marines to see action, and record casualties, were the Ammunition and Depot Companies in SaipanGuam, and Peleliu.  Private Kenneth Tibbs was the first black Marine to lose his life on June 15, 1944.

The Montford Point Marine training facility was abolished in 1949 after President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 which desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces.

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