"On September 3, the U.S. Congress awarded the Harlem Hellfighters, Black Soldiers of the New York National Guard's historic 369th Infantry Regiment, the Congressional Gold Medal-its highest honor. The ceremony, held in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol, honored the courage and sacrifice of the more than 4,000 Soldiers who served during World War I and fought under the French Army after being denied combat duty with American forces."
"The 369th Infantry Regiment was formed in 1916 as the 15th New York, a unit created for Black Americans who sought to serve despite segregation in the U.S. military. Nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters by their German adversaries, the regiment fought for 191 consecutive days, more than any other American unit in the war. They sustained over 1,400 casualties, earned 171 Croix de Guerre medals from France, and became the first Allied troops to march into Germany at the war's end."
On September 3, Congress awarded the 369th Infantry Regiment the Congressional Gold Medal, honoring more than 4,000 Soldiers who served in World War I and fought under the French Army after being denied combat duty with American forces. The medal, presented to descendants, recognizes military excellence and acknowledges the discrimination these men endured. The regiment formed in 1916 as the 15th New York for Black Americans and was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters. They fought 191 consecutive days, sustained heavy casualties, earned numerous French decorations, and were the first Allied troops to march into Germany. Returning in 1919, 3,000 marched up Fifth Avenue to a welcome but many faced racial violence, including lynching.
Read at stupidDOPE | Est. 2008
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