Role of African American Marines during World War II
The role of African American Marines during World War II is discussed. Camp Lejeune was used to train African American Marines. Its African American Marines, dubbed "Operation Detachment," helped liberate Iwo Jima from Japanese holdouts. This article also covers the role of Marine tanks in the war. Read on for more information. There is a lot to learn about the Marines' role during World War II.
African American Marines
During World War II, about 8000 African American Marines were assigned combat duties. Although this is less than 5% of the total Marine force, their presence and contributions were crucial to the United States' success in the Pacific Theater and to the advancement of civil rights at home. These men were often deemed inferior and unfit for military service. In addition, they were often denied the opportunities for advanced individual training and infantry combat training.
Camp Lejeune as training facility for African American Marines
The construction of the first stage of Camp Lejeune as a training facility for African American Marines began in September 1941. The Marine Barracks in New River, North Carolina, was transformed into a military camp called Camp Lejeune. The facility was named after World War I Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune. By 1943, the training facility had expanded from an initial 110,000 acres to a total area of 244 square miles.
Operation Detachment
The Iwo Jima invasion was the first major battle for the Marines during the Pacific campaign during World War II. It was dubbed Operation Detachment, and the mission was to capture airfields on the island to allow P-51 fighters to attack the Japanese main bases at Saipan and Guam. The battle, which lasted five weeks, was one of the most bloody in the war, and the Marines paid a heavy price.
The Japanese held out on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima during World War II. These men had been trapped on the island since its liberation by the Americans. The American soldiers fought for four months to secure the island, enduring the horrors of hand-to-hand combat. Eventually, the island was declared secure, and two holdouts surrendered. But how did they manage to survive?
The 8th Ammunition Company
The 8th Ammunition Company served in the Pacific during World War II. The unit took part in several engagements on the island, including the Battle of Saipan. In addition to this, it was part of the 2nd Marine Division, which was involved in the invasion of Iwo Jima. The unit was not only responsible for loading and transporting ammunition, but also provided cover for the other units.
This book is about a ship that was hit in the Battle of Sunda Strait in 1942, carrying 1,068 sailors and marines. After the war, many of the survivors were captured by the Japanese and used as slave labor. In spite of this tragedy, the USS Houston's commanding officer received the Medal of Honor posthumously. While the story is horrific, it's well worth the read.
