Monday, September 8, 2014
African-American Marines
March 10, 1945: U.S. troops in the Pacific islands continued to find enemy holdouts long after the main Japanese forces had either surrendered or disappeared. Guam was considered cleared by August 12, 1944, but parts of the island were still dangerous half a year later. Here, patrolling Marines pass a dead Japanese sniper. These Marines may belong to the Fifty-second Defense Battalion, one of two black units sent to the Pacific.
My great-uncle was a Messman at Pearl. He was also there for the attack. When the Corps began accepting Blacks and his Naval enlistment was up he joined. He saw combat and was awarded a Purple Heart. Thanks to him I followed the same path. enlisted in the Navy for five years as an SH (now reclassified as Retail services specialist) and served four years infantry, USMC. I'm proud my uncle for paving the way and thank you for your recognition of not only Black Marines but Black members of the Armed Forces, peace.
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