The Marines of Montford Point

America’s First Black Marines

By: Melton A. McLaurin

Narrated by: Adam Lazzare White, JD Jackson, Karole Foreman, William Harper, Daxton Edwards, David Carpenter

With an executive order from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941, the United States Marine Corps - the last all-white branch of the U.S. military - was forced to begin recruiting and enlisting African Americans. The first black recruits received basic training at the segregated Camp Montford Point, adjacent to Camp Lejeune, near Jacksonville, North Carolina. Between 1942 and 1949 (when the base was closed as a result of President Truman's 1948 order fully desegregating all military forces) more than 20,000 men trained at Montford Point, most of them going on to serve in the Pacific Theatre in World War II as members of support units. This book, in conjunction with the documentary film of the same name, tells the story of these Marines for the first time.

Drawing from interviews with 60 veterans, The Marines of Montford Point relates the experiences of these pioneers in their own words. From their stories, we learn about their reasons for enlisting; their arrival at Montford Point and the training they received there; their lives in a segregated military and in the Jim Crow South; their experiences of combat and service in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; and their legacy. The Marines speak with flashes of anger and humor, sometimes with sorrow, sometimes with great wisdom, and always with a pride fostered by incredible accomplishment in the face of adversity. This book serves to recognize and to honor the men who desegregated the Marine Corps and loyally served their country in three major wars.

©2009 The University of North Carolina Press (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

A rare glimpse into the minds of historic men

This is a must read. Hear from the Montford Point Marines themselves, as they lay bear the injustices that were done on them at home and in the Corps as the fallout of America's greatest sin continued to drift through the decades. Also see the unbridled heroism, as men who were not accepted at home, but had found a place with the elite after fighting their own battle, fought and died for a nation that had not yet truly accepted them.

America's First Black Marines Speak Out

In their own words, the first African American Marines— the men who trained at Montford Point— tell of their lives as in the segregated military: personal and historical.

Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the first black Marine unit into the armed forces in 1941. Basic training was at Montford Point, North Carolina. These soldiers came from all kinds of backgrounds and coalesced to form a unit.

Get ready to listen to powerful stories— over sixty interviews told with pathos and humor, about what it was like to be America's "toughest soldiers" in segregated America.

The Audible edition especially suits the interview format of the book— it's a FANTASTIC production. The readers are all outstanding— you can tell how much it meant to them.

BROTHERS

An Excellent Oral description of what the Flag Barrrrs/Original Band of Brothers!!! They are the Giants for whom Shoulders we stand on today!!!! HOORAH

Incredible stories from amazing people

A great book where I learned a lot of the history of the integration of the Marine Corp. But most importantly I had the opportunity to listen to many courageous brave men tell their stories of personal sacrifice and service to a nation that, for the most part, treated them horribly.

Well done

What a testament to the values that the corps instills in it's recruits, draftees, and volunteers, where in the last chapters none of the gentlemen who endured so much hatred, and unfairness harbor any I'll will to the body they served.

Black Marines battle hatred at home

This book was very informative concerning the first black Marines. The various narrators representing various black Marines were very good.I would recommend this book for anyone interested in US military history.

EXCELLENT

A well told story(s) of the Black experience in the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. Much appreciated and respected stories. SEMPER FI CPL Wilford Lewis Jr

Should be read.

Honestly this is a book that should be read by everyone. Especially any interested in the military, leadership, or knowledge on race relations in the US.

great book

Great narrative, I could picture myself in the events. I could relate to them as an African American Marines minus the segregation part.

A MUST Read For Every Marine!

This book is so unique the way it’s presented through the eyes of the Montford Point Marines. Almost every book I’ve read or listened to about war and/or history talks about it from the perspective of a historian while somewhat trying to tell a story. This book however, it gives firsthand accounts from Montford Point Marines, it can’t get any better or closer to the truth than hearing it straight from them. Absolutely grateful for what they went through and also saddened that they had to endure so much hate.