Honoring the Contributions of African Americans in the U.S. Marine Corps

Strategic Insights -

Throughout the month of February, the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton is observing Black History Month to recognize the significant contributions made by African Americans to the development of the country. This year's celebration marks 95 years since Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson launched "Negro History Week" in 1926, a celebration that was later expanded to the entire month of February in 1976. In honor of this occasion, the Marine Corps highlights the achievements of African American Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five African American Marines have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration given by the U.S. government, for their bravery and selflessness in combat.
  • Private First Class James Anderson Jr. was the first African American Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in 1967 for his actions during the Vietnam War.
  • Anderson's Medal of Honor citation describes his heroic actions, where he saved numerous Marines in his platoon by absorbing the impact of an enemy grenade that landed near him.
  • Four other African American Marines have been posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor: Pfc. Oscar P. Austin, Pfc. Robert H. Jenkins, Pfc. Ralph H. Johnson, and Sgt. Rodney Davis.
  • The Montford Point Marine Association Inc. San Diego Chapter 12 will be on base on February 25 to meet with the original founding members and share the history of African American Marines.
  • The Camp Pendleton Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association will host the 2011 Black History Month luncheon on February 23 to celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the Marine Corps.

Statistics:

  • 5 African American Marines have been awarded the Medal of Honor since 1967.
  • 95 years since Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson founded "Negro History Week" in 1926.
  • 32 years since the celebration of Black History Month was expanded to the entire month of February in 1976.
  • 1,000+ members of the Montford Point Marine Association Inc. San Diego Chapter 12 have been working to preserve the history and legacy of African American Marines.

Sources:

  • [Lance Cpl. Damien Gutierrez, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton]
  • [U.S. Marine Corps]
  • [Carter Godwin Woodson]
  • [Private First Class James Anderson Jr.]
  • [Montford Point Marine Association Inc. San Diego Chapter 12]
  • [Camp Pendleton Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association]
  • [http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil/pendletonpoints/2011_black_history_month_luncheon.pdf]