MONTFORD POINT MARINE ASSOC FOUNDATION

NMPMA Charlotte Chapter 40 is a non-profit 501-C3, veteran organization established to preserve the legacy of the 20,000 African American Montford Point Marines who trained in a segregated Boot Camp located in New River NC. Although they could not train at Parris Island, SC or in San Diego, CA, they fought for the right to fight to be called United States Marines. Part of our mission is to provide support assisting all veterans of the armed forces, their dependents and families throughout the community. Who are the Montford Point Marines? They are the first African-Americans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order (8802) in June 1941. They were not allowed to attend Parris Island, SC or San Diego, CA as other Marines. The recruits trained at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, NC from August 26, 1942 until the camp was decommissioned on September 9, 1949. On Nov. 23, 2011, President Barack Obama signed the law to award all Montford Point Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. What importance does Charlotte NC have with the Montford Pont Marines? • Howard P. Perry- 1st Montford Point Marine Recruit to arrive to Camp Montford Point on August 26, 1942 is from Charlotte, NC • Lt Frederick C. Branch- 1st African American Commissioned Officer in November 10, 1945 attended Johnson C. Smith University. Street Renamed to Commemorate the Montford Point Marines • October 28, 2021 the City of Charlotte, NC named a street in memory of the Montford Point Marines. Membership Membership in the Association is open to all veterans and active members of all branches of the U. S. Armed Forces regardless of race, creed, or national origin.