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What is the 52nd Defense Battalion?

  • An African American U.S. Marine Corps
  • Worked in coastal defense of different bases in the Pacific during World War II.
  • One of the first African American battalion to serve in the Marines since the Revolutionary War (1775-83)
  • Planned to be a composite unit, but became a typical defense battalion
  • Colonel Augustus W. Cockrell organized the battalion
  • Lieutenant Colonel Joseph W. Earnshaw was from Kansas and graduated from the Naval Academy
  • He took over the 52d Defense Battalion after Cockrell

Formed on December 15, 1943.

Over 200 men transferred from the 51st Defense Battalion to the 52nd

Famous People in the Battalion

  • Sergeant Major Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson was one of the first African-Americans to enlist in the Marine Corps
  • He personally led 25 combat patrols
  • Montford Point changed to Camp Gilbert H. Jonshon to honor him

Where are they stationed?

  • Montford Point, now known as Camp Gilbert H. Johnson
  • Part of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune complex in Jacksonville, North Carolina

52nd Defense Battalion

Kaitlin Green & Tandra Allen

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