Edgar R. Huff, the first African American in Marine Corps history promoted to Sergeant Major.

FROM MONTFORD POINT TO VIETNAM In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, the Veterans Legacy Program (VLP) honors the amazing life of Edgar R. Huff, the first African American in Marine Corps history to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major. Born in Alabama in 1919, Huff joined the Marine Corps in 1942, becoming part of the famous Montford Point Marines. After serving in the Pacific during World War II, Huff served as Gunnery Sergeant with the 1st Marine Division in Korea. In 1955, he made history by becoming the first Black Sergeant Major in the U.S. Marine Corps. Huff later served two tours in Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a combat "V" for bravery after saving the life of his radio operator. Despite facing many years of racism and unfair treatment because of his skin color, Huff later said: “I never let any of these things make me prejudiced right back. Especially in combat. Especially in Vietnam. I am the sergeant major. I take care of all my men, black and white.” After his second tour in Vietnam, Huff retired on September 30, 1972. Looking back on his career, he said: “When I retired, I had been Sergeant Major longer than anyone else in all the services. I was the senior enlisted man in the entire U.S. military. I could look back at becoming the first black Sergeant Major in the Marine Corps… including Vietnam, when it was the largest Marine force ever assembled.” Huff passed away on May 2, 1994, at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. He is buried at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Plot A-69. Take a moment today to remember his service and sacrifice.