ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — One of the original Montford Point Marines visited the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to share his experiences serving in a segregated Marine Corps.

Ambassador Theodore R. Britton Jr. is a 100-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran.

Between 1941 and 1949, about 20,000 African Americans trained at Montford Point, a segregated training camp in North Carolina. The camp followed President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order prohibiting racial discrimination in the military. Those service members went on to serve during World War II and the Korean War.

Ambassador Britton reflects on his service

Now 100 years old, Britton continues to share the history he lived. Offering a different point of view from others.

“I don’t assume that merely because you put one black in it that’s bad. I’m proud enough to say, it’s a new Marine Corps in which all of us have brought it up forward,” Britton said.

Britton travels to military bases nationwide, speaking directly with the next generation of service members.

Marines respond to Britton’s message

Marine Robert Chance said Britton’s presence carried weight for those listening.

“He paved the way for everything, essentially, and he kind of broke a lot of boundaries, so it gave me the opportunity to be here,” Chance said. “If you want to really go for something, go for it. No matter what people try to throw at you and put you down, you have the ability to prove a point always. So, just strive for the best and continue to be who you are.”

Britton said preserving the Montford Point legacy is about preparing today’s Marines for the challenges ahead.

“There’s so much promise in front of them,” Britton said. “Some of them are going to have difficulties and be set back because of the difficulties. Reading about other people’s experiences prepares them for their own experiences.”

Marine Corps leaders said they are continuing to identify remaining Montford Point Marines and connect with their families to ensure the trailblazers’ legacy lives on.

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