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thedrifter
02-24-06, 05:37 AM
African Americans earn equality through heroics
MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2006) -- From 1942-1949, African-American Marines were not allowed to fight on the front lines with their Caucasian counterparts.

African-American Marines were only allowed to take up positions as stewards, ammunition technicians and supply men.

It wasn’t until Caucasian parents voiced the issue that African-American Marines were allowed to fight on the front lines.

“Some (Caucasian) parents wondered why so many (Caucasian) Marines were dying and (African-American) Marines weren’t fighting with them, so they started writing letters,” said Evangeline Vann, wife of retired Sgt. Maj. William “Movin” Vann, a Montford Point Marine.

The letters sparked interest, and when African-American Marines were sent to battle, they did great things.

Retired 1st Sgt. Barnett Pearson, a Montford Point Marine, knows of such exploits by first hand experience.

“We had some hard Marines back then,” said Pearson referring to the WWII era. “Marines that would risk their lives for anything.”

Pearson knew Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, who made the ultimate sacrifice when he smothered a live grenade with his body to save the lives of many Marines around him.

“He was real nice and a Marine from his heart,” said Pearson.

Not only does Pearson know African- American Marines that made history, Pearson made history himself.

While assigned to 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, during the “bloody” battle of Con Thein, Vietnam in 1967, Pearson repelled the enemy with the help of injured Marines and little supplies.

For his actions, Pearson was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for combat valor.

“The enemy didn’t think we were as strong as we were,” said Pearson, who is credited with more than 100 enemy kills from his tank.

During another Vietnam battle in 1967, Pearson saved the life of another Montford Point Marine.

“If it wasn’t for (Pearson), I wouldn’t be here today,” said retired 1st Sgt. William “Jack” McDowell, who was rescued by Pearson. “In my mind, he should have received a second Silver Star.”

According to Pearson, while McDowell was trying to save his company commander, McDowell was struck by enemy fire in his left leg.

Seeing a fellow Marine in need, Pearson came to McDowell’s aid.

“(McDowell) said, ‘I was so happy to see that tank come around that corner, and to especially see a Montford Point Marine,’” Pearson said.

Pearson wasn’t the only Marine recognized for his bravery.

McDowell was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and Purple Heart for his courageous actions during Vietnam War in 1967.

“He is an absolute warrior,” said retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Joe Geeter, the national president of the Montford Point Marines Association.

Other Marines like retired Sgt. Maj. Louis Roundtree, the highest decorated Montford Point Marine, also did great things.

“Roundtree served with Chesty Puller,” Geeter said. “That’s a career in itself.”

The respect African-American Marines earned on the battlefield made it possible for all Marines to serve side-by-side.

“Every African-American Marine owes their success to the men of Montford Point,” Geeter said. “The Montford Point Marines showed perseverance from 1942-49.”

The Montford Point Marines’ perseverance is an example for everybody, not just African- Americans, Geeter said.

Ellie