OUR HISTORY.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, prohibiting discrimination in defense employment and setting an important backdrop for expanded opportunities for African Americans during World War II.

On June 1, 1942, Alfred Masters became the first African American sworn into the United States Marine Corps during its World War II integration.

His enlistment marked a historic beginning for the men who would become known as the Montford Point Marines.

On August 26, 1942, Howard P. Perry of Charlotte, North Carolina, became the first African American Marine recruit to arrive at Montford Point Camp for training.

Masters’s enlistment and Perry’s arrival represent two distinct milestones: the first to enlist and the first to report to the segregated training camp.

Approximately 20,000 African American men received basic training at segregated Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina, between 1942 and 1949.

Their service and perseverance helped break barriers in the Marine Corps. The bonds formed through shared adversity endured beyond their time at camp.

On September 17–18, more than 400 Montford Point Marines from 17 states reunited at Philadelphia’s Adelphia Hotel. The gathering led to the establishment of the Montford Point Marine Association.

Brooks E. Gray and Cecil B. Moore were among the Marine veterans involved in planning the reunion.

Chicago Chapter 2 hosted the first National Convention at the Sheraton Hotel in Chicago in August. The 1965 Philadelphia gathering was recognized as the founding reunion.

On June 10, incorporators Brooks Gray, Obadiah Poe, Henry Addison, Leroy Dandridge, and James France registered an application to establish a charter.

Articles of Incorporation were filed in Pennsylvania on December 11. The first Board of Directors also included Arthur F. Earley and Norman Tripplet.

At the National Convention in Washington, D.C., Sergeant Major Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson called for a Ladies Auxiliary to add strength and prestige to the organization.

Members supported a motion to establish the Auxiliary, laying the groundwork for its formation.

On August 14, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson served as Guest of Honor and received the Association’s Man of the Year Award at the National Convention in New Orleans.

The Ladies Auxiliary was established during the August 8–12 convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

Willie Mae Hill of Philadelphia Chapter 1 became its first National President, beginning a continuing commitment to supporting the Association and preserving the legacy of the Marines and their families.

On April 19, Montford Point Camp was officially renamed in honor of Sergeant Major Gilbert Hubert “Hashmark” Johnson, a Montford Point Marine.

The Association supported the renaming, with endorsement from Assistant Secretary of the Navy James E. Johnson and approval from Commandant General Robert E. Cushman Jr.

The Association’s historical account records NAACP life membership recognition during the 1975 Philadelphia convention.

In 1976, members approved a substantial contribution to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at the Chicago convention, establishing a continuing commitment to educational support.

Association members marched in President William Jefferson Clinton’s first inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., in January.

Initial plans for a national monument honoring the Montford Point Marines were discussed during the National Convention in Las Vegas.

On April 15, the Brooks Elbert Gray Jr. Consolidated Academic Instruction Facility was dedicated at Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Gray was a Montford Point Marine, an Association founder, and a National President.

The United States Senate agreed to Senate Resolution 587 on July 22, designating August 26, 2010, as Montford Point Marines Day.

At the National Convention in Fredericksburg, Virginia, members approved renewed planning for a national memorial honoring the Montford Point Marines.

In August, approximately 150 Montford Point Marines were invited to Marine Barracks Washington for a special parade and breakfast with Commandant General John F. Amos.

On November 23, President Barack Obama signed legislation authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for the Montford Point Marines.

On June 27, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented at the United States Capitol. First Sergeant William “Jack” McDowell accepted on behalf of the Montford Point Marines.

Additional ceremonies followed at Marine Barracks Washington on June 28. On July 23, the Veterans of Foreign Wars presented the Association with its Gold Medal of Merit and Citation.

USNS Montford Point was christened on March 2 in San Diego, California. The ship’s sponsor was Alexis Bolden, wife of retired Marine Major General and NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr.

On May 6, the 2d Supply Battalion held a logo-change ceremony at Camp Lejeune honoring its historical connection to the Montford Point Marines.

On July 29, a dedication ceremony marked a major milestone for the Montford Point Marine Memorial in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Its features include a restored 90-mm anti-aircraft gun, a bronze statue of a Montford Point Marine, and a Wall of Stars representing the Marines who trained at the camp.

On July 27, at the National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carmen E. Cole was elected the Association’s first female and 19th National President.

On February 29, the Association received Department of Veterans Affairs recognition as a Veterans Service Organization for preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims under laws administered by VA.