Sergeant Major Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson (October 30, 1905-August 5, 1972) was one of the first African Americans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, and one of the first African American drill instructors in the U.S. Marine Corps. Initially he and other African Americans served in segregated units. Sergeant Major Johnson earned his nickname of “Hashmarks” because during his initial Marine Corps training at Montford Point, he wore three service stripes (hashmarks) on the sleeve of his uniform, indicating his previous enlistments in the Army and Navy. He retired in 1959 after 32 years of service in the U.S. armed forces, including 17 years as a Marine.

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