The Harlem Hellfighters were a group of African American soldiers from New York who fought during World War I, earning the respect of their fellow soldiers on the battlefield while facing racial discrimination back home.
Originally labeled as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment, the group was never meant to see any combat but was reclassified as the 369th Infantry Regiment when they were federalized. The 191 days they spent on the front lines in France was more than any other American regiment in World War I.
Fighting alongside the French due to racial tensions with American troops, the 369th earned France's Croix de Guerre award. Dubbed the Hellfighters by the Germans, the French called them "Men of Bronze."
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Nine soldiers of the Harlem Hellfighters, Feb 12, 1919.
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Soldiers of the 369th standing in line on the Western Front, 1917.
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Sgt. Henry 'Black Death' Johnson of the 369th 'Harlem Hellfighters' poses wearing the Croix de Guerre, awarded for bravery in an outnumbered battle against German forces. He also received the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2015. 12th of February, 1919.
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The Hellfighters were known for their jazz band, and played a part in popularizing jazz in Europe.
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French soldiers charging into battle. For racial reasons, the 369th was put under the command of the French, and forced to use inferior French rifles and bayonets.
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Lt. James Reese Europe and members of his 369th Infantry Regiment jazz band participate in a parade upon their return to the United States from Europe, 1919.
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Photo of No Man’s Land taken by the 369th on the front lines.
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New York’s 369th regiment were nicknamed ‘Men of Bronze’ by the French, and ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ by the Germans.
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Members of the 369th Infantry Regiment arrive in New York after serving in World War I, 1918.
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Returning soldiers from World War One of the 369th Infantry Regiment, aka the Harlem Hellfighters, parade up Fifth Avenue in New York City on Feb. 17, 1919.
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A member of the Harlem Hellfighters, holding a puppy he saved during World War 1, 1918.
