Today In North Carolina History

🦅 May 31, 1922, Frederick C. Branch, the first Black Officer commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, was born in Hamlet, NC (Richmond County). His remarkable journey from a small North Carolina town to becoming a trailblazer in American military history helped open doors for generations of Black-Americans who followed. (May 31, 1922 – April 10, 2005)
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After graduating from high school in Mamaroneck, New York, Branch attended Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He later transferred to Temple University in Philadelphia. After receiving a draft notice from the Army in May 1943, he reported for induction at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was selected to become a Marine.
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In June 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt opened the Marine Corps to Black Americans through Executive Order 8802, which prohibited racial discrimination by government agencies. Prior to that, Black Americans had been barred from serving in the Marine Corps. Branch underwent training at Montford Point, North Carolina, alongside other African Americans who became known as the legendary "Montford Point Marines."
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Branch applied for Officer Candidate School but was initially denied. While serving with a supply unit in the Pacific during World War II, his outstanding performance earned the recommendation of his commanding officer. He was then accepted into the Navy's V-12 officer training program at Purdue University, where he was the only Black candidate in a class of 250 students. Despite the challenges, he excelled academically and earned a place on the dean's list.
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On November 10, 1945, Frederick C. Branch was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, becoming the first Black officer in the history of the United States Marine Corps. Although World War II had ended, his groundbreaking achievement marked a turning point in Marine Corps history.
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Branch later served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, he commanded an anti-aircraft training platoon. He was discharged from active duty in 1952 and returned to the Reserve, eventually attaining the rank of Captain. He left the Marine Corps in 1955 after continuing to face covert discrimination and unfulfilled promises regarding advanced training and promotion opportunities, despite his exemplary service record and combat experience.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in physics from Temple University in 1947, Branch dedicated more than four decades to education, teaching at Dobbins High School in Philadelphia until his retirement in 1988. He passed away on April 10, 2005, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was laid to rest at Quantico National Cemetery in Quantico, Virginia. His wife of 55 years, Camilla, preceded him in death in 1999.
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The nation eventually recognized Branch's historic contributions. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of his commissioning, the United States Senate passed a resolution honoring him. In 1997, the Marine Corps named Branch Hall at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, in recognition of his pioneering role in integrating the Corps. On April 25, 2005, U.S. Senate Resolution 116, sponsored by North Carolina Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, commemorated his life, achievements, and service.
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In 2006, the Marine Corps Recruiting Command established the Frederick C. Branch Leadership Scholarship, an NROTC scholarship program for students attending or accepted to one of 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities with NROTC programs. A total of 68 scholarships are awarded annually, helping future leaders earn commissions as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps.
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Frederick C. Branch's story is one of perseverance, courage, and determination. From Hamlet, North Carolina, to the history books of the United States Marine Corps, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of military leaders. 🇺🇸⚓
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Merchant's Millpond in the Spring
Gates County, NC

May 14, 1955, SATURDAY, Elvis Pressley Performs in New Bern, NC (Craven County). There were shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. at the Shrine Auditorium. Advance seating was pegged at a dollar for general admission, $1.25 for reserve seating and 50-cents for children.
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Billboard, in its review of "Baby Let's Play House" gave it a rating of seventy-seven and called the song a "distinctive country effort". "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone" was rated seventy-one and described as an "unusual, rhythmic country chant". Both songs were praised for their distinctive country music direction.
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One of the ironies of Elvis' entire early career, in fact, is that his black musical roots were not recognized by his fans, even though he openly discussed and acknowledged them.
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Bob Neal, currently working with Colonel Tom Parker on promotion for the Hank Snow in the South reports that he has Elvis Presley, Martha Carson, the Carlisles, Ferlin Husky, J.E. and Maxine Brown and Onie Wheeler set for a week's trek beginning May 29. Neal, who is Presley's personal manager, says the latter has a new release on Sun, "Baby Let's Play House" b/w "You're Right, I'm Left, She's Gone". Disc jockey’s may receive a copy be writing him at 160 Union Street, Memphis, Neal says.
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Hank Snow and Elvis Presley continued touring together on this Saturday, even though each had commitments elsewhere. Elvis Presley, of course, was signed to appear at the Louisiana Hayride, and Snow was likewise under contract with the Grand Ole Opry.
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They did, in fact, play New Bern, North Carolina, where there were shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. at the Shrine Auditorium. Advance seating was pegged at a dollar for general admission, $1.25 for reserve seating and 50-cents for children.
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Faron Young left the group at this juncture. Accompanying Elvis and Snow on this leg of the tour were Martha Carson, Slim Whitman, the Davis Sisters, Jimmie Rodgers Snow, and Onie Wheeler.
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Our One Day Wonder exhibits, "To Preserve the Blessings of Liberty" and "The Solders Experience" continue their travels. Check out our digital flyer with this post to find a location near you for this exhibit. America 250 NC

May 14, 1981, Cedric Maxwell — better known to basketball fans as “Cornbread” — made history. The Kinston, North Carolina native, former UNC Charlotte standout, and member of Omega Psi Phi became the only player in NBA history to win the NBA Finals MVP Award without ever being selected to an NBA All-Star Game. 🏀
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Maxwell earned the honor during the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets while helping lead the Boston Celtics to the franchise’s 14th NBA Championship. Although often remembered as the sixth man on a Celtics team featuring Hall of Fame frontliners Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, Maxwell delivered one of the most efficient Finals performances of the era.
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During the six-game series, Maxwell averaged a team-leading 17.7 points per game, along with 9.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1 block per game. He also dominated the boards, pulling down a team-leading 34 offensive rebounds during the Finals. His steady play, rebounding, and physical inside scoring became one of the biggest reasons Boston captured another championship banner. ☘️
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Game after game, Maxwell continued to produce. In Game 1, he scored 10 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and added five assists in Boston’s 98-95 victory. In Game 3, he recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in a 94-71 Celtics win. He followed that with another double-double in Game 4, finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds.
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His signature performance came in Game 5 when Maxwell exploded for 28 points and 15 rebounds, helping Boston take a 3-2 series lead with a dominant 109-80 victory. Then, in the championship-clinching Game 6, he scored 19 points as the Celtics defeated Houston 102-91 to secure the NBA title.
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Despite never being named an NBA All-Star, Maxwell’s Finals MVP remains one of the most unique accomplishments in league history and a reminder that some players save their best basketball for the biggest stage. For basketball fans in Kinston and across North Carolina, it remains one of the state’s greatest NBA moments.
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