Captain Frederick C. Branch, a proud initiate of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, holds the historic distinction of being the first African American officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Born in Hamlet, North Carolina, Branch began his collegiate journey at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, where he pledged Kappa. He later transferred to Temple University, where he completed his degree. In 1943, during World War II, Branch was drafted into the U.S. Army and reported to Fort Bragg. There, he was selected to join the Marine Corps, a milestone made possible by an Executive Order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that prohibited racial discrimination in federal agencies. This order opened the doors of the Marine Corps to African Americans for the first time, and Branch stepped through them, making history.
Branch trained alongside other Black servicemen who would later be known as the legendary “Montford Point Marines.” He pursued officer training through the Navy’s V-12 program at Purdue University, where he made the dean’s list and stood out as the only African American among 250 students.
During the Korean War, he led an anti-aircraft training platoon at Camp Pendleton, continuing his trailblazing service. He ultimately concluded his military career in 1955 with the rank of Captain.
Following his service, Branch applied his physics degree in the classroom, teaching at Dobbins High School until his retirement.
Captain Frederick C. Branch passed away on April 10, 2005. He was laid to rest with honor at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia.
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