From Montford Point To The Brink Of A New Millennium

From the time that Howard Perry became the first African-American to be inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1942, African-Americans in the Marines--from one generation to another--have established a level of service to country that is unsurpassed, beginning with the days at Camp Montford Point, continuing through World War II, the Vietnam War and on to the doorstep of a new millennium.

The introduction of African-Americans to the Corps came at a time when racism was rampant. When recruiting began on June 1, 1942, a quota limited the first group of African-American recruits to 900. After signing up, both their service record book and the enlistment contract were stamped "COLORED." In addition, because of the racial climate. African-American recruits weren't trained at the traditional boot camps at Parris Island and San Diego. Instead they were trained and garrisoned at a segregated facility called Camp Montford Point, which was designated for all African-American recruits and was part of the sprawling complex at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

By the end of World War II, Montford Point had served as the training site for 20,000 Black men who were inducted into the Marine Corps. It produced the 51st and 52nd Defense Battalions, all-Black units that typified the unselfish valor common to the Corps. Their bravery was exhibited during invasions in the Pacific campaign on the beaches at Peleliu, Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Even against the backdrop of racism, the Montford Point Marines--like PFC Luther Woodward, who received the Silver Star for his combat actions on Guam--continued to distinguish themselves and laid the foundation for those African-Americans who followed in their footsteps. Today, African-Americans represent nearly 16 percent of the Marines and they have been woven into the Corps' rich fabric, occupying various positions of leadership and responsibility. In fact, for the first time in Corps history, four African-Americans wear stars on their collars, indicating the rank of General Officer. The following are their stories:

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES F. BOLDEN JR.

Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan/Yokota Air Base, Japan

For General Bolden, the highest-ranking African-American on active duty, the sky literally has been the limit. And from the time he accepted his commission as a second lieutenant in 1968, the former astronaut has used his experiences to show youngsters how honor, courage and commitment can help them succeed against the odds. "I find that kids today can be highly motivated if given the right kind of leadership," he says.

Described by many as "a man who can take difficult subjects and make them seem elementary," the general's special gift of communication has benefited thousands of children and young adults, whether they were interested in the Marines or simply seeking direction in life.

Throughout the Columbia, S.C., native's career, three of the most important ingredients that helped him distinguish himself at various levels have been dedication, determination and hard work. All were evident from the time he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, then underwent flight training and was designated a naval aviator in 1970. He flew more than 100 combat missions into North and South Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia before returning to the U.S. to serve in a variety of positions. In 1980, he was selected as an astronaut candidate, and during his 12-year NASA stint flew into space four times--twice as the mission commander. After a historic eight-day stint aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1994, he left the space program after 680 hours in space.

Although the former commanding general in support of Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait is fond of his experiences in space, he says one of his proudest moments as an aviator came last summer when he and his son, a captain and also a Marine Corps aviator, slipped into the cockpit of an F/A-18 and flew for the first time together. Because of the possible dangers involving such a flight, it was not until the father-son duo completed the rare flight that they told the rest of the family--the general's wife of 20 years and their daughter, who's working on a second master's degree in chemical engineering.

Even with all of his accomplishments, General Bolden is hailed as "a regular kind of guy," one who credits God and his family for all that he is. "There are a lot of things that you can say I did, but if they put on my tombstone that `This guy was a Marine,' that will be good," he says. "I don't care if anyone remembers that I was an astronaut. But I do care that people know I'm a Marine who served honorably in the Corps. That means a lot."

BRIGADIER GENERAL CLIFFORD L. STANLEY

Commanding General Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California

General Stanley is a man to be envied. He's fortunate enough to enjoy two strong love affairs--one centering around his career in the Marine Corps and the other is based on the 28-year union he shares with his wife Rosalyn.