Montford Point — Black Marines Training History
Montford Point at Camp Lejeune was the segregated training facility where African American Marines trained during World War II and into the early 1950s. Their service marked a turning point in Marine Corps history.
Recruits trained under difficult and segregated conditions beginning in 1942. Despite barriers, they demonstrated discipline and excellence.
Following President Truman’s 1948 executive order, the Marine Corps integrated training, closing Montford Point as a segregated facility.
The Montford Point Marines paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the Corps. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service.
Their courage helped transform military policy and influenced broader civil rights progress across the United States.