Description
Book Synopsis On June 1, 1942, the United States Marine Corps broke a 144-year tradition and enlisted the first black Marines. Three months later, more than 400 black volunteers began their training as members of the 51st Composite Defense Battalion at Montford Point, a Marine camp of over five square miles located within Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Informed by personal interviews, this volume takes an in-depth look at the men who braved the color barrier and became the first black Marines.
Beginning with a look at the pre-World War II Marine Corps, it examines the creed and contemporary image of the USMC. The main focus is the experiences of the new black Marines. Additional topics include internal Marine perspectives on the admittance of blacks, initially enforced quotas, and the difficulties of segregation. Appendices provide information regarding monthly inductions into the Marine Corps from 1941 to 1945; rank and pay structure; depot and ammunition companies from 1943 to 1946; and Pacific Ocean area units of fire for ground weapons.
Trade Reviewsolid, well-researched...in depth...of immense value - Leatherneck Magazine
""brings a significant American story to a larger public"" -
The North Carolina Historical Review""describes the fighting experiences of this first group of men to cross the USMC's color barrier"" -
Reference & Research Book NewsTable of ContentsTable of Contents
Preface 1
Section I. Pre–World War II
1. “No Negro, Mulatto, or Indian to be enlisted...” 7
2. The U.S. Marine Corps—A Very Brief History 10
3. A Closer Look 19
4. A Chance to Join “The Club” 23
Section II. 1941–1942: The War Begins
5. The Exigencies of War 29
6. Blacks Accept the Challenge 33
7. American Strategy 38
8. The First Black Marine Unit 44
9. Training the First Black Recruits 54
10. Changes Come Quickly 66
Section III. 1943
11. Proving Amphibious Doctrine 73
12. Segregation Is Still the Rule 78
13. Training with the Guns 90
14. War Is Serious Business 97
15. Change Comes Slowly 102
16. A Time of Turmoil 112
Section IV. 1944
17. Activating the 52d Defense Battalion 125
18. South Pacific 129
19. Leaving the States 132
20. The Marianas 139
21. Operation Forager Countinues 159
22. Moving Out 167
23. Pushing Black Marines Through 177
24. Garrison Life 188
Section V. 1945–1946
25. No End in Sight 193
26. Hounded by the Press 205
27. Okinawa—Operation Iceberg 208
28. “...A very lovely day...” 216
29. Future for Black Marines 226
30. A Few of the Men, Continued 231
Appendices 235
Chapter Notes 241
Bibliography 253
Index 261
