After enlisting in the Marine Corps, Frederick C. Branch applied to Officer Candidates School, but was turned down. While serving in World War II, Branch’s commanding officer recommended him for OCS based on his outstanding performance.

On November 10, 1945, Branch graduated from OCS as the only black student in a class of 250, becoming the first African-American commissioned as a second lieutenant.

Captain Branch was instrumental in the integration of African-Americans in the Marines Corps.