God Bless and Semper Fi

An amazing Marine has died.

F.C. Branch, 82, Pioneering Black Marine, Dies
PHILADELPHIA, April 13 (AP) – Frederick Clinton Branch, the first black commissioned officer in the Marine Corps, died Sunday in Philadelphia. He was 82.
His death was announced by his family and Roxborough Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Branch was drafted into the Marines in 1942 while a student at Temple University and scored well on a test for Officer Candidate School, but he lacked a recommendation and was rejected.
His wartime service in the Pacific, however, led to a recommendation and admission to O.C.S. He received his commission as a Marine lieutenant on Nov. 10, 1945, the 170th anniversary of the founding of the corps in Philadelphia, and was the only black graduate in a class of 250.

2 Responses to “God Bless and Semper Fi”

1. Nightfly says:

   April 15, 2005 at 11:22 am

   Rest in peace, Mr. Branch, and thank you.

2. Mr. Bingley says:

   April 15, 2005 at 11:27 am

   ^ what he said