127 World War II era photographs depicting members of the United States Marine Corps. African American servicemembers in photographs are assumed to be members of the 51st Defense Battalion, commonly refered to as the Montford Point Marines, the first African American unit in the Marine Corp. Also included in the collection are photographs of white Marine Corps members as well as a number of unidentified personal photographs, many of which depict African American women and children.
During World War II, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina became a crucial training facility for the United States Marine Corps. Established in 1941, the base was strategically located on the North Carolina coast to support amphibious warfare training, a key component of the Marine Corps' combat strategy in the Pacific Theater. Named in honor of Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune, the base quickly expanded to accommodate the rapid mobilization of troops, with thousands of Marines passing through its gates for training in amphibious assaults, jungle warfare, and other combat tactics. Camp Lejeune played a vital role in preparing Marines for major operations across the Pacific, including the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima. Its development during the war laid the foundation for its continued importance as a premier training facility in the postwar era.
The Montford Point Marines were the first African American unit to serve in the United States Marine Corps, following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 8802 in 1941, which prohibited racial discrimination in the defense industry. Prior to this landmark order, the Marine Corps had excluded Black recruits entirely. In response, the Corps established a segregated training facility—Montford Point Camp—adjacent to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
On August 18, 1942, Headquarters and Services Battery of the 51st Composite Defense Battalion was commissioned at Montford Point, marking the formation of the first official Black Marine Corps unit. From 1942 to 1949, approximately 20,000 African American men trained at Montford Point under challenging and segregated conditions.
Despite facing systemic racism and limited opportunities, Montford Point Marines served with distinction during World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater at battles such as Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Their courage and performance helped pave the way for the eventual desegregation of the armed forces. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, mandating the integration of the U.S. military.
The legacy of the Montford Point Marines was formally honored in 2012 when they were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their pioneering service and sacrifice. To date,the lineage of the 51st Defense Battalion has not been carried on by any other Marine Corps battalion.
This collection consists of 127 black-and-white silver gelatin photographs documenting the experiences of American GIs during World War II The photographs, which range in size from 2.5" x 2.5" to 3.5" x 5.5", originate from the estate archive of a Black United States Marine Corps photographer who served in the battalion are arranged into three series based on the photographs subject matter.
Series one contains approximately 27 photographs featuring African American Marines, assumed to be members of the 51st Defense Battalion, depicting them both on base, most likely at Montford Point near Camp Lejeune, as well as in the field. The images capture scenes of daily military life, including soldiers near their barracks and Nissen huts, wearing uniforms with "USMC" stitched onto their jacket pockets. Some Marines are shown working as cooks at an outdoor military meal station. Other photographs depict the battalion in summer and tropical uniforms, likely taken during their deployment to the Ellice and Marshall Islands in the Pacific Theater.
Series two contains 72 photographs depicting white Marines Corps members, also likely stationed at Camp Lejeune, engaging in various athletic activities, including football, weightlifting, golf, track, and a diving contest. Along with the images depicting athletic activities, the photographs also feature several of white Marines in training and daily activities around Camp Lejeune.
Series three contains 28 photographs that feature unidentified individuals and families, many featuring African American children and women in what appears to be a Southern coastal setting.
January 16, 2025 (processed), 0.30 cubic feet; 127 World War II era photographs depicting members of the United States Marine Corps during their time stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. African American servicemembers in photographs are assumed to be members of the 51st Defense Battalion, commonly reffered to as the Montford Point Marines, the first African American unit in the Marine Corp. Also included are a number of unidentified personal photographs depicting African American women and children.
Purchased from Max Rambod Rare Books
Processed by Patrick Cash, 2025
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