Breaking a tradition of 167 years, the U.S. Marine Corps started enlisting African Americans in 1942.
The first man to enlist was Howard P. Perry. With 119 other recruits, he began the grueling process of becoming a Marine at Montford Point near Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The trainees were not allowed to enter the main base without a white escort.
After completing boot camp they were shipped to combat zones, in all-Black units.
We honor you, Howard Perry.
