Edgar Huff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edgar R. Huff
Sergeant Major Edgar R. Huff, USMC
Born	(1919-12-02)December 2, 1919 Gadsden, Alabama
Died	May 2, 1994(1994-05-02) (aged 74) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1942–1972
Rank	Sergeant major
Unit	2nd Battalion, 1st Marines
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Bronze Star (2) Purple Heart (3)

Edgar R. Huff was a very important person in the United States Marine Corps. He was the first African-American to become a sergeant major. This is a very high rank! He served for 30 years, fighting in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He was born on December 2, 1919, and passed away on May 2, 1994.

Joining the Marines

Edgar R. Huff was born in Gadsden, Alabama. He joined the Marine Corps on September 24, 1942. He was one of the very first African-American people to join the Marines.

He did his basic training at Montford Point Camp. This camp was in New River, North Carolina. After training, he became a gun commander. He worked with a large 155mm gun.

Becoming a Drill Instructor

In 1943, Edgar Huff went to a special school. He learned how to be a drill instructor. A drill instructor teaches new recruits how to be Marines. By March 1943, he was helping train new Marines.

Montford Point Camp was where all African-American Marines started. By November 1944, Huff was in charge of all recruit training there. He was the field sergeant major.

Serving in World War II

In November 1944, he was promoted to first sergeant. He joined the 5th Depot Company. This company helped supply Marine divisions. They provided important support.

He served with this unit in the Pacific Ocean. He was in places like Saipan and Okinawa. He also served in North China. Another important African-American sergeant major, Gilbert Johnson, was his brother-in-law. They were married to twin sisters!

After World War II

After World War II, Edgar Huff continued to train new Marines. He was the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of recruit training. He stayed at Montford Point Camp until May 1949.

Then, he worked as a guard chief in New Jersey. In May 1951, he went to Korea. He joined the famous 1st Marine Division.

Fighting in the Korean War

In Korea, Edgar Huff saw a lot of combat. He was a company gunnery sergeant. He fought with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. He took part in important battles. These included operations in the "Punch Bowl" area.

Promotions and Later Service

He came back to the United States in August 1952. He then served with the 2nd Marine Division. In March 1955, he became Guard Chief in French Morocco.

On December 30, 1955, he was promoted to first sergeant. The very next day, he became a sergeant major! This was a huge achievement. He was the first African-American to reach this rank.

He served in many different places after that. These included Okinawa and Camp Geiger in North Carolina. He also served at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

Serving in the Vietnam War

Edgar Huff served two tours in the Vietnam War. His first tour was from May 1967 to June 1968. He was with the III Marine Amphibious Force.

His second tour in Vietnam was from October 1970 to October 1971. He was again a sergeant major with the III Marine Amphibious Force.

Retirement

After his second tour in Vietnam, he served at Marine Corps Air Station New River. This base is in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He retired from the Marine Corps on September 30, 1972. He had served for 30 years!

Edgar Huff passed away on May 2, 1994. He died at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune. His story is also told in the book Bloods by Wallace Terry.

Awards and Decorations

Edgar R. Huff received many awards for his brave service. Here are some of them:

See also

• Desegregation in the United States Marine Corps