June 1, 1942: Alfred Masters became the first African American in the United States Marines at 12:01am in Oklahoma City. His first training camp was Montford Point in North Carolina. Masters rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant.

Masters had three daughters with his wife, Isabell: Shirley Jean, Alfreda Dean and Cora Lavonne. The marriage ended in divorce in the 1940s. Isabell Masters went on to become an educator and five-time U.S. presidential candidate.

In 1994, their daughter Cora became the 4th wife of politician Marion Barry.

Alfred Masters died in Anthony, New Mexico, on June 16, 1975. He is buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas.

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