Pictured in this 9x37” panorama is the Marines’ 3rd Company all-black officers training camp (Kansas City). Many of these men eventually went overseas in WWII. The majority of African American Marines overseas belonged to 51 depot and 12 ammunition companies and their primary duty was to unload ammo & supplies onto beaches, moving it inland to the assault forces at the front lines. Supplying companies, such as the 3rd company, were usually subject to heavy machine gun fire and had to participate in combat. Their bravery and heroics commanded the respect of superiors in a time when they were hesitant to acknowledge the accomplishments of black Marines. The admirable combat of the 3rd company prompted General A.A. Vandegift, Commandant of the Marine Corps to proclaim that “the Negro Marines are no longer on trial. They are Marines, period.” The rigid look on the hardened faces of the young men in the photo tells it all. Innocence has left them, but they are proud. Framed photo exhibits excellent contrast. Condition is EX.