HOME OF THE ORIGINAL MONTFORD POINT MARINESVol. No.1 www.montfordpointmarines.org

Press Release

Date: 1942 - 1949

Charlie Myers was born in Raymond, Mississippi on June 21, 1925. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. Charlie received his Basic Training at the segregated training base known as Montford Point Camp, Jacksonville, NC.

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order #8802 that required all branches of the military to enlist African-Americans. The United States Marine Corps was the last branch to enlist African Americans.

With much trepidation and reluctance, a year later the Commandant of the Marine Corps yield to the orders of President Roosevelt. From August 26, 1942 to September 1949 approximatley 20,000 African-Americans trained at Montford Point Camp.

Upon completion of Basic Training, he was assigned to the Steward Branch. GySgt Myers served twenty-years of active during the World War II, Korea, and Vietnam era.

After a distinguished Marine Corps career, GySgt Myers retired at Marine Barracks 8th & I in May 1964. He went on to serve 20 years with the Federal Bureau of Corrections and retired as a Corrections Officer in 1996.

On June 27, 2012 approximately 400 surviving Montford Point Marines received the Congressional Gold Medal at Marine Barracks 8 & I.

These brave African-American Marines serve with honor, pride and dignity during the Jim Crow Era.

Charlie was happily married for 74 years to his wonderful wife Clara, they reside in Capital Heights, MD. Charlie’s passion was spending time with Clara, his children, grandchildren, fishing, gardening, and active membership of the National Montford Point Marine Association DC Chapter #6.

Mr. Charlie MyersJune 21, 1925 - March 15, 2021

Original Montford Point Marine