The Combat Role of African American Marines During World War II: An Answer to the Spike Lee - Clint Eastwood Debate
Abstract
The Marine Corps played a decisive role in allowing the United States to achieve its strategic objectives in the Pacific during World War II. These objectives may not have been realized if it were not for .the contributions of African American Marines who served bravely in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Discussion: United States Marines, a significant part of General Douglas Macarthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz's island hopping campaigns in the Pacific, enabled Allied powers to capture airbases on islands previously held by Japanese forces. The capture of these islands advanced Allied forces closer to Japan and threatened the invasion of the home islands. Success of the island hopping campaigns, coupled with the use of the two atomic bombs on mainland Japan, forced the Japanese to capitulate. However, the contributions of African American Marines during WWII are often overlooked.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA519277
Entities
People
- Derrick L. Jones
Organizations
- Marine Corps Combat Development Command