Camp Johnson

• Origins as Montford Point: Camp Johnson was originally known as Montford Point and was established in 1942 as the first training facility dedicated to African-American Marines during World War II. • Named after Sgt. Maj. Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson: In 1974, the camp was renamed in honor of Sgt. Maj. Gilbert H. Johnson, one of the first African-American Marines and a distinguished drill instructor. • Montford Point Marines Legacy: Over 20,000 African-American Marines were trained at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949, overcoming segregation and making significant contributions during WWII. • Location: Camp Johnson is located adjacent to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is part of the larger Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. • Current Role: Today, Camp Johnson serves as the home of the Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools (MCCSSS), where Marines are trained in logistics, supply, personnel administration, and other support roles. • Historic Recognition: In 2012, the Montford Point Marines were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, for their pioneering service. • Montford Point Marine Museum: The camp houses the Montford Point Marine Museum, which preserves artifacts, documents, and oral histories to educate visitors about the unit's unique history. • First African-American Drill Instructors: Sgt. Maj. Johnson and a few others became among the first African-American drill instructors in the Marine Corps, shaping the training and discipline of new Marines. • Desegregation: The camp’s original function ended in 1949 when President Harry S. Truman ordered the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces, leading to the integration of all Marines. • Enduring Legacy: Camp Johnson stands as a symbol of progress and the breaking of racial barriers within the U.S. military, with annual ceremonies and events honoring the Montford Point Marines' legacy.