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The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom

The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom

Sat, 08/13/2011 - 7:00pm

Pictured: The U.S. Marine Corps’ first African Americans

Credit: APT

The U.S. Marine Corps’ first African American recruits recount the racism inside and outside the military, the rigors of basic training and the perils of combat action.

Hosted and narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr., The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom airing Saturday, August 12 at 7 p.m. on WXXI World (cable 524/DT21.2), profiles the first African American recruits in the United States Marine Corps. Beginning with their experiences at the segregated boot camp in the heart of the Jim Crow South, Montford Point Base. All-black battalions from Montford Point loyally served their country (some as officers) in three major conflicts — World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War — while fighting for their civil rights back home. During the film, Montford Point veterans recount the racism they faced both within and outside the military and reminisce about the rigors of basic training, the harsh conditions of the barracks and the perils of combat. 

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The Marines of Montford Point: Fighting for Freedom

Submitted by niceprice on Sat, 08/13/2011 - 7:55pm.

I had never heard of Montford Point and the significant place it holds in African American, American, and U.S. military history. This documentary was riveting.
To hear the stories of those courageous "unsung heroes" was so inspirational.

My brother served three years in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school. The corps he entered was radically diferent from the one those who trained at Montford Point experienced. My borther's way was paved by the poineers of Montford Point. I am very grateful for their tenacity and sacrifice.

As usual, PBS tells the stories no one else is willing to tell. WXXI is a great station.