Embedded Files
Years Active: 1913-1983
Military - Regiment 369
Because their story should be on the front lines
WW1 was one of the most memorable wars for the amount of fights, who was involved, and most importantly, the troops. Down in Harlem, New York a group of men banned together to form one of the most celebrated and accomplished military units of all time, The Harlem Hellfighters. As they entered the war they beat the odds and rose above the expectations set by the racism they received by their fellow soldiers while bringing new forms of culture to new parts of the world.
Although the Harlem Hellfighters eventually achieved the highest of awards for their bravery and the same level of respect that their white counterparts received, this respect was nonexistent at the start even before the group set foot on the battlefield. People discriminated against these hardworking warriors because of the color of their skin. The group became a part of the “Rainbow Division” of the National Guard. These men trained to prove that they deserved to be a part of the fight. “There had been all kinds of insults hurled at our body who were on duty in town,” wrote musician Noble Sissle in his memoir. ‘Our boys had some pretty bitter pills to swallow’” (Trickey). These discriminatory people who have been against the idea of the “Rainbow Division” from the very beginning felt brutally betrayed and made it a point to burn the Harlem Hellfighters out. As if the rigorous training wasn’t enough, the racism from those opposed to the group at the time was a large obstacle dragging them down. However, they trudged up a mountain of hardship and came out on top. In celebration of their completed training, the guard assembled from all over the country and marched in a farewell parade. William Hayward, lawyer and commander of the Harlem Hellfighters was told that they could not march because ‘black is not a color of the rainbow'" (Ray). This is an example about how even those of higher power had the audacity to make racist remarks and hide the group in the shadows.
These brave soldiers were told that they did not belong before they even showed their skills off to the world. This is a showcase of their motivation, as well as a hidden benefit that made their achievements an ounce more astounding. The Harlem Hellfighters were not brought down no matter the event or remark. They kept going and fought for what they believed in without looking back and listening to those who looked down upon them because of the color of their skin. This discrimination also influenced the Germans, making them underestimate the team’s skills. When they stepped out on the field, they were a force to be reckoned with, which in fact gave them their name. During the war, “The unit also suffered 1,400 total casualties, more than any other American regiment. Many of those soldiers are buried or memorialized at American military cemeteries overseas managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission” (“The Harlem”). The way that these men were targeted and treated on and off of the battlefield was relentless. Racism and discrimination tore the group down again and again, yet they still survived and kept fighting to protect our country. Many of the Harlem Hellfighters’ losses are overlooked by the public. This is a reason why the team should be more celebrated and recognized as of present, because in the time when the group was together and achieving greatness, they weren’t celebrated enough.
The Hellfighters had many enemies and allies, as would most during wartime. Still they were respected strongly by their allies, and their enemies feared their name. This type of respect and fear is earned and the Hellfighters constantly showed to their adversaries how capable they were. One of these most stunning accomplishments was bringing jazz as a gift to their new-fould allies, the French. “The 2,000 troops arrived in Brest, France, on the first day of 1918. On the docks, they surprised French soldiers and civilians with a jazz rendition of ‘La Marseillaise’”(Trickey). One of their most well known accomplishments is bringing jazz to the French. Although not their most battle based accomplishment it is still part of their legacy. Bringing jazz to France shows that they brought more to the world then they have been given credit for. Through a time of war, enemies, and allies, the Hellfighters brought something beautiful into an unknown place just to enjoy and share it with others. Jazz is considered the devil's music and the Hellfighters were considered monsters sent from tartarus by their enemies. “‘They are devils,’ a Prussian officer captured during the Meuse-Argonne offensive told his American captors about the 369th. ‘They smile while they kill and they won’t be taken alive’”(Durr). They were feared by the Germans, believed to be cold blooded killers that were sent from hell. Their skin color was not a matter to the Germans, their concern lied in their skill and wit on the battlefield.
Although they aren't devils and are just normal men from Harlem they still showed extreme valor and pride while fighting on the battlefield. These brave men received honors and gratitude that would outlast their lifetime, their battlefield, and their own long living legacy. “More than 170 men received commendations for their bravery, and the unit itself was awarded the Croix de Guerre, a prestigious military honor by the French. The 369th Infantry returned home to a heroes' welcome in 1919” (Sheposh).Through their own hard work, they earned the highest honor a unit can receive from the French government. The Hellfighters showed to the French that they were worth the investment. The Hellfighters proved themselves to everyone at every corner and the Croix de Guerre solidified that fact. Their names were pushed into history through their own persistence and strength.
As the Hellfighters battled racism and spread new culture into foreign lands, they still exceed and amazed their regiment officers and the world with their determination and dedication to their country. On the front lines troops go through conditions that aren't fit for daily life whatsoever. Constant fear of fighting, little to no food, warmth and shelter all liabilities that could be taken away within a blink of an eye. Even with the unstackable odds against our Hellfighters, they prevailed. The regiment served 191 days on the front lines,they didn't lose any ground or have any casualties, and it's when they got their nickname, the Harlem Hellfighters (Sheposh). As listed, they spent 191 days on the front lines, more than the average, being four to six days. Secondly, they had no casualties against German forces, yet the German forces were known to be one of the harshest and toughest to battle against. Lastly, due to how scared the Germans were of this regiment they gave them a nickname to warn german troops easier, hence how the ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ was created. All of this proves how fierce they fought against the Germans and how dedicated they were to protecting and defending what they believed in.
As the war raged on, so did the Hellfighters. Their French allies were quick to help, yet the Hellifghters still amazed and surprised them with their fighting spirit and skills. “The men of the 369th fought in combat for 191 days. The unit took 1500 killed and wounded while receiving only 900 replacements. In one offensive, the 369th outpaced French units on either side by seven miles”(Durr). In the quote it states how they outpaced the French units on either side. What this means is that the Harlem Hellfighters were quicker on their feet, and were faster than the French had thought they were and given them credit for. This supports the fact that the Hellighters surprised people when it came to their dedication and how devoted they were to serving their country. Even in the Americas the Hellfighters achievements were not going unnoticed. With more and more information making its easy back to the homeland, newspaper companies started to pick up on their heroic story, “Two New York Negro Soldiers Foil German Assault,” declared the New York World’s lead headline on May 20, 1918. “Perishing Praises Brave Negroes,” read a New York Sun headline the next day”(Trickey). Journalists are usually experts in their field, especially if they are picked up by big newspaper companies like New York Times etc. To have not one but two big newspaper companies to pick up on your story and or your doings is a big accomplishment. During these times people of color were neve celebrated, and or really talked about so to have big headliners in the newspaper for two days in a row, it is a true representation of how important they were to the war.
In our country, racism and discrimination has been a prevalent and recurring issue throughout American history. In order to put this cycle to an end, it is important to celebrate those people of color who have impacted our world so much. The Harlem Hellfighters were given their name because they were so powerful and feared amongst many, but their name is also interpreted as a reflection of how they went through the greatest of struggles in order to achieve their greatness.
Mo Macioce, Ashley Kimmell, Libby Sheets
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