On June 1, 1942, Alfred Masters was the first African American to be sworn into the United States Marine Corps in Oklahoma City. TSgt Masters attended recruit training on August 26, 1942 at Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Marines of Montford Point broke ground for the right to serve amongst all who come from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

The wife of Alfred Masters, Isabel Masters recalled:

"Alfred and I were on the elevator at the post office in Oklahoma City with a Marine recruitment officer who asked Alfred if he wanted to be the first Black Marine. Of course, the answer was yes. Alfred was wearing a Langston University sweater, which prompted the recruiter to accost him. On June 1, 1942, Monday morning, one minute after midnight, Alfred was inducted into the armed services as the first Black Marine. In Texas, however, another young man was inducted one minute after 8 a.m. as the first Black Marine. However, Alfred's name is always listed first, being a degree of controversy about it." ++Montford Point Marines++

Alfred Masters (1916)