Frederick C. Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Clinton Branch
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Frederick C. Branch being pinned with his second lieutenant bars by his wife, Camilla "Peggy" Branch.
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| Nickname(s) | Fred |
| Born | May 31, 1922 Hamlet, North Carolina, US |
| Died | April 10, 2005 (aged 82) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US |
| Place of burial |
Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, Virginia
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1943–1955 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Other work | Science teacher |
Frederick Clinton Branch (May 31, 1922 – April 10, 2005) was a very important person in American history. He was the first African-American officer in the United States Marine Corps. This means he broke barriers and opened doors for many others. His journey showed great courage and determination.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frederick Branch was born in Hamlet, North Carolina. He was the fourth son of a minister. His father was part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
After finishing high school in Mamaroneck, New York, Frederick went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. He later transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia.
Joining the Marines
In May 1943, Frederick received a notice to join the Army. He went to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. There, he was chosen to become a Marine. Before this, African Americans were not allowed to serve in the Marine Corps.
However, in June 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed something called Executive Order 8802. This order made it illegal for government agencies to treat people differently because of their race. This rule opened the Marine Corps to African Americans.
Frederick trained at Montford Point, North Carolina. Many other African-American Marines trained there too. They became known as the "Montford Point Marines".
Becoming an Officer
Frederick wanted to become an officer. At first, his request to join Officer Candidate School was turned down. But while he was serving in the Pacific during World War II, his commanding officer saw how well he performed. This officer recommended him for training.
Frederick then joined the Navy V-12 program at Purdue University. He was the only African-American in a class of 250 students. He did very well and even made the dean's list.
On November 10, 1945, Frederick became a second lieutenant. This meant he was officially an officer. Since World War II had just ended, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
He was called back to active duty during the Korean War. He served at Camp Pendleton, California. He led a group that trained with anti-aircraft weapons. He left active duty in 1952 and returned to the Reserve. He eventually reached the rank of captain. In 1955, he left the Marine Corps completely. He felt that he was still facing unfair treatment.
Life After the Military
In 1947, Frederick earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Temple University. After his military service, he became a teacher. He taught at Dobbins High School in Philadelphia. He taught there until he retired in 1988.
Captain Branch passed away on April 10, 2005. He was buried at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia.
Honoring a Hero
Frederick Branch received many honors for his pioneering role.
- In 1995, the United States Senate passed a resolution to honor him. This was for the 50th anniversary of him becoming an officer.
- In 1997, a training building at the Marine Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, was named after him. This showed how important he was in bringing different people together in the Marine Corps.
- On April 25, 2005, after he died, the U.S. Senate passed another resolution. It was to remember his life and all his achievements.
- In 2006, the Marine Corps Recruiting Command created the Frederick C. Branch Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship helps students attend one of 17 historically black colleges and universities that have special military training programs. It helps young people become officers in the Marine Corps, just like Frederick Branch did.
