Montford Point Marines 1942-1949   Tags: 1942-1949, african-american marines, black marines, korean war, montford point marines, racial diversity, vietnam war, women marines, world war ii  

Joseph Carpenter Collection, 1943-1946

Our featured item is a collection of documents, photographs, and a yearbook that chronicles Joseph Carpenter's service as a Montford Point Marine. (COLL/5199)

The Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. is the official website of the Montford Point Marines.

From 1942-1949, approximately 20,000 African-American men enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed segregated boot camp at Montford Point Camp, Jacksonville, NC. Many of these Marines served with distinction during a number of World War II's bloodiest struggles, making the ultimate sacrifice, while others continued their service into Korea and Vietnam.

These pioneering African-American Marines added to the rich history of the Marine Corps and paved the way for future service members of all backgrounds - men and women alike - to serve with distinction.

(Source: MARADMIN 525/11)

Gen James Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks about the Montford Point Marines at the event marking the 68th anniversary of the first African-American recruit in the United States Marine Corps. (August 26, 2010)

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen James Amos, SgtMaj of the Marine Corps Michael Barrett, along with active duty and retired Marines, speak about the legacy of the Montford Point Marines and their importance to Marine Corps history. (Official DoD video 126243 09/2011)

This research guide highlights select archival resources concerning Montford Point and Montford Point Marines and their place within Marine Corps history.

Resources at the Library of the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections concerning Montford Point include, but are not limited to: articles, audio-visual materials, books, correspondence, maps, oral history interviews, photographs, and platoon books.

The resources featured in this guide do not represent a complete list. Please contact the Library of the Marine Corps/Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections branch to inquire about additional resources in its holdings, as well as those held by other institutions.