The U.S. Marine Corps was the last branch of the service to admit African-Americans. These Montford Point Marines were the first African- Americans to serve in the Corps. Segregation laws of the 1940s prohibited blacks from training with whites. A separate training facility was created for black recruits at Montford Point Camp near Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. From 1942 to 1949, nearly 20,000 black men trained at Montford Point.

The Montford Point Marines Memorial is dedicated to their legacy. On June 27, 2012, the Montford Point Marines received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is the highest civilian award conferred by Congress. The Wall of 20,000 Stars are symbolic of the approximate 20,000 African-American Marines who trained at Montford Point Camp. nit insignia will showcase the 51st and 52nd Defense Battalions and Fleet Marine Forces Pacific units.

The National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc., is a nonprofit Veterans Service Organization initially established in 1965. Our mission is to perpetuate the legacy of the first African Americans who entered the United States Marine Corps from the period of 1942 to 1949, and trained at the segregated training facility, Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina.

The Association works to improve the social conditions of veterans and their families by implementing programs to provide youth mentoring, educational scholarships, and assistance within the growing population of senior citizens.

Your contribution would allow us to propel our mission forward and continue giving back to our community.

Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. Foundation

By National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc

Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. Foundation

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