The Marines of Montford Point by Melton A. Mclaurin

Author:Melton A. Mclaurin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Published: 2010-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Combat and Service World War II

For the men trained at Montford Point, just as for white Marines trained at Parris Island, engaging the enemy in combat was the ultimate goal. They understood the dangers of combat, and feared combat, but feared even more the possibility that racism would deny them the opportunity to experience it, a fear that was well grounded. Like the combat troops of any culture, they held courage on the field of battle as perhaps the ultimate virtue. And while proving one’s personal courage was important to them, even more important was the need to prove that African Americans were as capable and courageous under fire as were white troops. It was an obligation they all felt.

Beyond the need to prove that on the battlefield they, too, were Marines, the men of Montford Point sought to demonstrate that they, too, were Americans. They understood that participation in combat was the ultimate expression of their loyalty to their country and to its values, even though that country had chosen to treat them as second-class citizens. It is against this background of their need to be accepted as Marines, of their determination to enjoy all the rights and privileges of American citizenship, and of their hope to obtain a full measure of respect from their fellow Americans that their service must be viewed, especially during World War II.

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