Formed to Serve
The Harlem Hellfighters, officially the 369th Infantry Regiment, was a unit of African American soldiers from New York. They were mobilized during World War I and assigned to fight alongside French forces because of racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.
Record-Breaking Combat
The regiment served on the front lines for 191 days, longer than any other U.S. unit in the war. They became known for their unyielding bravery and effectiveness in combat, despite facing some of the most intense fighting.
First Americans to Reach the Rhine
On November 26, 1918, the Harlem Hellfighters became the first Allied unit to reach the Rhine River, marking a significant point in the war’s conclusion. Their presence highlighted their critical role in the victory.
A Hero Among Heroes
One notable member, Henry Johnson, fought off a German raiding party of at least 20 soldiers with a rifle and a bolo knife during a single night. Johnson received France’s Croix de Guerre for his bravery but was not recognized by the U.S. government during his lifetime.
Despite his extraordinary valor, Johnson returned to America with little support, facing severe injuries and struggling to find stable employment. It wasn’t until decades later that his heroism was formally acknowledged: he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996, the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002, and the Medal of Honor in 2015.
The Harlem Hellfighters, officially the 369th Infantry Regiment, was a unit of African American soldiers from New York. They were mobilized during World War I and assigned to fight alongside French forces because of racial discrimination within the U.S. Army. pic.twitter.com/OUTyQxVSeZ
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