If you watch coverage of the war in Iraq on CNN, you might see a highly trained fighting force comprised of various ethnic groups fighting together for the freedom and safety of all Americans. Prior to 1941, we would notice something drastically different. The elite fighting force, called the Unites States Marine Corps had no African Americans, or any other minority groups within their ranks. During this time, despite having a patriotic heart, many African Americans were prevented from giving a hand and fighting for what they deemed to be their home. Civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph pleaded for equality within the United States Military force but his pleading went unanswered until President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed executive order 8802. With this order, and the establishment of the Fair Practice Commission, racial discrimination was ended within government agencies.
All African-American recruits were ordered to report to Montford Point, North Carolina; an all African-American training depot. Howard P. Perry, the first recruit arrived on August 18, 1942. Although, receiving the same caliber training as their White counterparts, the Montford Point Marines were unable to visit other bases such as Camp Legeune, or fight alongside White Marines (they served in all Black units).
Regardless of racial injustice and harsh conditions, the number of African-American Marines grew tremendously. Marine Corps units began to become a melting pot of various cultures and ethnic groups.
In 1956 General Frank E Peterson became the first African-American pilot serving in the United States Marine Corps. In 1966-1967 he became the first Black Marine aviator to command a squadron into battle. His achievement of becoming the first three star general in 1986 defined how far African-Americans have come.
From 1941, when Blacks were not allowed to serve, to 1986 the first three star general, to the present, African-Americans continue to fight for our country with pride, dignity, and love.