#BlackHistoryMonth

The Harlem Hellfighters was an infantry regiment of the NY Army National Guard during WWI and WWII.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, formerly known as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment.

They were the most celebrated African-American regiment in WWI

2/ The 369th Regiment was subjected to intense racial discrimination, and its members looked down upon.

Despite their courage, sacrifice and dedication to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen.

3/ Before setting out for Europe, the unit was refused permission to participate in the farewell parade of New York’s National Guard, known as the “Rainbow Division,” because “black is not a color in the rainbow.”

4/ But after being assigned to fight under the 16th Division of the French army - because many white American soldiers refused to serve with black soldiers - they quickly proved their bravery and combat skills.

5/ During WWI, the 369th spent 191 days in frontline trenches, more than any other American unit. They also suffered the most losses of any American regiment with 1,500 casualties.

6/ One Hundred Years Ago, the Harlem Hellfighters Bravely Led the U.S. Into WWI:

Their courage made headlines across the country, hailing the African-American regiment as heroes even as they faced discrimination at home

Smithsonian Magazine 14 May 2018 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/one-hundred-years-ago-harlem-hellfighters-bravely-led-us-wwi-180968977/

7/ CBS This Morning. 29 Dec 2018

Shining new light in the contributions of the Harlem Hellfighters.