TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – The Montford Point Marines were the first black men to join the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1942 to 1949, they trained under segregated conditions at a location several miles from their white comrades at Camp Lejeune.

Their service paved the way for future generations and broke down significant racial barriers within the military.

In 2011, President Obama awarded them the Congressional Gold Medal. Since then, replicas of that gold medal have been awarded to Montford Point Marines and their families, including a man from Toledo.

Jack Baker was a lifelong Toledo resident, graduate of Woodward High School, and a member of the Montford Point Marines.

His life story includes chapters full of service, sacrifice and honor that he earned over decades.

Jack Baker was a husband, father and member of the U.S. Marines. He was one of approximately 20,000 black men known as the Montford Point Marines.

13 Action News met four of his children today. DeMita Baker is one of his daughters.

“He was very concerned about us getting an education and going to school. He took good care of his family and made sure we had everything we needed. He was very concerned about us being raised properly, knowing how to behave and being good citizens of the community,” said DeMita Baker.

His daughter Viveca Crews said he didn’t talk much about his service to our country.

“He didn’t say a single word about the Marines and the hardships because he didn’t want us to feel the pain,” Crews said.

One of their cousins, a lieutenant colonel stationed at Camp Lejeune, and his wife helped Jack Baker’s children learn more about their father’s service as a Marine at Montford Point.

Jack Baker’s children said he served in the Pacific during World War II.

“Our father was part of history and we didn’t even know it,” said DeMita Baker.

“He was a war hero and that makes me proud,” Crews said.

Jack Baker died in 2015, but DeMita Baker said his family was there in full force last weekend to give him what they believe is long overdue recognition.

“This is another example of how AA was able to not only thrive but survive. People tried their best to keep them small, but they couldn’t. They were determined to support the few, the proud, the Marines,” said DeMita Baker.

DeMita Baker said more than a dozen family members traveled to North Carolina to attend a ceremony honoring Jack Baker’s service and were presented with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Montford Point Marines.

“Just knowing that they are finally getting the recognition they need, finally getting recognition for what they have been through,” Crews said.

Crews said they all hope their story helps others connected to the Montford Point Marines.

“I make it a point to spread it as widely as possible so they can empathize with what I felt and understand what their fathers went through,” Crews said.

Jack Baker’s children said nine men who were Montford Point Marines attended the ceremony last weekend.

They added that of the 20,000 men who were part of the Montford Point Marines, only a few thousand have been identified. They hope their story will help increase the number.

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