Harlem Hellfighters – The Story
By
John C Abercrombie
One of the greatest fighting units of World War I is seldom mentioned in American History. These brave men were the highly decorated 369th, they are more commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters.
They fought with distinction, never had a person captured, never gave an inch of ground. They were the first of the Allied troops to reach the Rhine River, and were highly decorated by the French. Awards included 171 individual and unit recipients of the Croix de Guerre, the highest military award of the French fighting forces.
100 years after the heroic actions of the men of the 369th, who fought and died for the principals of their country, their story remains largely unknown. They also fought for equality and respect, yet the fulfillment of that dream has not yet been fully realized today.
The formation of the unit was a battle from the start. They had to fight the perception that Black troops were not suited for combat. They had to fight the perception that Black troops did not have the bravery to be on the battle field. They had to fight many stereotypes that were based on pure conjecture and not fact!
The Unit started as an all-Black armory. More detail on that part of the struggle can be seen in some of the videos that accompany this article.
Early History of American Military
During 1917 the United States Armed Forces were completely segregated. There were 4 All Black Units, the 9th and 10th Calvary, commonly known as “Buffalo Soldiers” and the 24th and 25th infantry. There were no integrated units.
The legacy of the Black Soldier has been proven in every war …
In the American Revolutionary War, the war for American Independence from the British, the first person killed was Crispus Attacks, a Black man. There were 5,000 plus Black men fighting with distinction for the cause. See also, Salem, Poor, who distinguished himself at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
For information on Salem Poor, click the box below.
Peter Salem, who also distinguished himself at the Battle of Bunker Hill when he shot and killed Major Pitcairn.
For information on Peter Salem, click the box below. The names Salem Poor and Peter Salem are somewhat similar, but they are separate people
Wentworth Cheswell who also rode the night of Paul Revere.
Cheswell, Wentworth – Black Patriot Who Warned of the British Invasion
There were even All-Black units, such as the 1st Rhode Island.
While the Rough Riders are famous for fighting in the Spanish-American War, the story of the Roughest Riders tells the exploits of the Black Soldier.
Despite these brave men who fought with valor in the American Revolutionary War, and the Spanish-American War, widely held prejudices worked to prevent Black troops from being used in combat positions in WWI.
Of the 400,000 Blacks drafted, only about 42,000 saw action during WWI.
Early History of the 15th New York/Harlem Hellfighters
The unit was originally known as the 15th New York, however when they received their federal designation, they became the 369th. They were to become part of the “Rainbow Division”. The reaction of the White Rainbow troops was not favorable, and their reply was “Ain’t no Black in the Rainbow”. Wow, what a reception!
Commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, 70 percent of these brave troops called Harlem home.
Note: Harlem is a large neighborhood in Manhattan (New York City) that had become largely Black and Puerto Rican. It later was the home of the Harlem Renaissance, one of the greatest showing of artistic influences in American History.
The men of the unit preferred the nickname “Rattlers”. Their symbol and shoulder patch featured a rattlesnake, i.e. “Don’t Tread on Me!”
However, because of their ferocity and bravery in battle, they were called “Hellfighters” by the enemy German Soldiers, and the name stuck.
Training at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, South Carolina
The unit was stationed and trained briefly at Camp Wadsworth in Spartanburg, SC. Their life as soldiers of the United States was difficult, both in battle and while on American soil.
The Mayor of Spartanburg, South Carolina wrote the War Department telling them that they would not lift a hand to provide ANY protection of these Black troops.
Following 2 incidents that had potential for disastrous consequences, the troops were removed and sent to Europe.
An example of the difficulties they faced in Spartanburg is the day Sargent Noble Sissle, the unit’s band leader walked into the Cleveland Hotel to patronize the newsstand located there to buy a newspaper.
This single event almost caused a riot. Although this unit was an all-volunteer unit, willing to fight and die if necessary to protect and defend their country, these Black troops were not welcome in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Because of the hostilities experienced at Camp Wadsworth, the decision was made to expedite their departure from Spartanburg, SC.
The Troops Enter the War
As the American troops were preparing to enter battle, General John J “Black Jack” Pershing stated that “All troops were to fight under the American Flag”, …except for the 369th, who were offered to any nation that would accept them.
France eagerly took them as they had previously seen the worth of Black troops having fought with Senegalese troops.
Note: Senegal is a country in West Africa, bordered by Mauritania on the North, Mali on the East, Guinea on the Southeast and the Atlantic Ocean on the West
Fighting with the French troops had some benefits as the men of the 369th enjoyed some degree of respect and equality that was not shown by the United States troops.
The longest serving of any American forces during World War I. The unit served 191 days on the front lines, longer than any other unit.
171 officers and troops received individual citations for bravery and the entire regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre, more metals than any other American Unit in WWI.
The first soldier(s) either Black or White to receive the Croix de Guerre was Henry Johnson, and Needham Roberts members of the 369th for actions discussed in this article and featured in videos on this site.
The 369th fought on the Western Front, in the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, the Battle of Belleau Wood and in the Aisne-Marne Campaign among others. They were the first of any Allied Troops to reach the Rhine River.
The First of Many Awards
The first soldiers of the 369th to receive the Croix de Guerre were Corporal Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts.
While defending an outlook post, they were attacked by a German unit. Both were severely wounded but refused to surrender. They killed 4 of the attackers, mostly in hand to hand combat. As the incident was investigated it was determined that they fought off as many as 30 enemy soldiers. The most referenced number is 24 enemy soldiers.
Sergeant Bill Butler
Sergeant William Butler is another soldier who distinguished himself in battle. (he preferred the name Bill)
Sergeant William “Bill” Butler encountered a German raiding party.
Following a murderous assault on American trenches. The German’s had capturing several United States soldiers and a lieutenant.
Butler held his lone position as they came closer with the captured Americans. Butler rose, fired his automatic rifle, killing at least 5 an by some accounts, as many as 10 enemy soldiers, capturing a wounded German Lieutenant and releasing the captured Americans. Butler received a Croix de Guerre from the French Government.
An American Insult to the Troops
American forces wrote the French asking that they stop giving awards to these Black troops, otherwise, they would return to America expecting to be treated as full citizens.
The above quote is often attributed to General J.J. “Blackjack” Pershing, however my research gives credit to Colonel J. L. A. Linard of the American Expeditionary Force Headquarters.
The shock of this incident is that anyone would expect these brave men to accept anything except full citizenship and all rights that accompany it.
Germans attempt to take advantage of disparity in citizenship
The German enemy recognized the hypocrisy in the men of the 369th fighting for democracy and equal rights, something that they did not enjoy in their own country and tried to exploit the issue, all to no avail.
The Germans dropped propaganda to them, and took other measures to influence them, but it did not work!
These brave soldiers gave the war effort their all.
The Reality of War
Many paid the ultimate price and are buried in France. Many others suffered all manner of debiliting injuries.
The French had awarded Johnson the Croix de Guerre for his actions, but it would take 75 years before America recognized in any way the contributions of Corporal Henry Johnson!
Henry Johnson suffered 21 separate wounds, including 3 bullet wounds, in his encounter with the enemy. Despite these wounds, he was not given the Purple Heart, by the United States until it was awarded posthumously in 1996. Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002 and in 2015 the Medal of Honor. Too late to be of any benefit to himself and his immediate family.
The Disparate Treatment
Following the war, even the severely wounded were discharged with 29% disability. Men with missing or unusable limbs, and all manner of serious disabilities.
Why 29%? Because at 30% a soldier qualified for a pension. It seems that everything possible to dishonor and disrespect these brave men was permitted to stand by the country that they fought so valiantly for.
While White soldiers with lesser disabilities were granted 30% and greater rating and a pension, these brave Black soldiers were awarded NOTHING!
Johnson died penniless in 1929, not being able to find employment.
Butler finally hanged himself in 1947.
The failure to recognize the acts of bravery leaves many lingering negative impacts:
• Despite overwhelming evidence, many people falsely believe African Americans have never contributed to America in any way.
• Most Americans are unaware that the actions of the 369th follow a long tradition of fighting for and defending the very principals on which this country is founded.
• Most are without a clue about the tradition of fighting for the principals of the country including the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and many others.
• Even when paying the ultimate price, Black troops are subjected to everyday indignities on a regular basis in every facet of life
o Lack of employment opportunity
o Inability of children to attend neighborhood schools
o Inability to sit anywhere on a bus
o Subject to police harassment
o Lack of pensions and disability for injuries suffered in defense of the Country
o Lack of Memorials and mention in history for sacrifices
• Without recognition and the lingering stereotypes of African Americans the view that they are incapable and unwilling to contribute lingers for decades and centuries.
• The greatest injustice of all is that we overlook the content of the character of these men and choose instead to focus on the color of their skin.
Lasting effects of Service
These brave men who were disabled were not provided with pensions, so they could care for themselves or their dependents.
The lack of pensions contributes to a less than satisfactory ability to provide for the education of those dependents and a subsequent life of poverty.
These men should have received equal treatment.
Return to America
This is just another example of bravery, courage, and determination on the part of Black soldiers. They entered the war in the name of the United States with a belief that if they showed a willingness to defend the country that they could earn respect as a citizen of this great country.
As the war was ending and troops were being brought back home, the 369th saw discrimination again. German prisoners of war were housed and fed with the White officers which had better accommodations and provisions than those of the men who fought and died for their country.
Prisoners of War were carried in passenger cars while the 369th ere relegated to open cattle cars. Upon reaching the shores of this great country, troops were greeted with signs that showed White troops this way and Black troops that way. What a slap in the face!
Memorials and Tributes
In honor of their service the French erected a memorial to the 369th in Sechault in 1997. It was not until 2006 that a replica of the Sechault Memorial was erected at 5th Avenue and 142 Street. In relationship to their contribution, that monument is miniscule and obscure.
An attempt to construct a monument suitable for the accomplishments was stalled by governmental concerns that the monument could not be dedicated to such a group and MUST be to the entire “Rainbow Division”. The group that rebuffed the men of the 369th with the comment that “There ain’t no Black in the Rainbow”? Yes, it makes no sense.
These Brave Men Fought on Principals
These men fought for their country. They fought for recognition in hopes that it would make a better way of life for all people of color, and others relegated to a status less than full recognition of citizenship and rights in this country.
Why No Recognition
History is often written from one standpoint and that is often of the European male. History books try to cover too much time and so many events that it is impossible to dig deep. As a result, the accomplishments of many people are overlooked, allowing perceptions and stereotypes to remain without challenge.
Because these brave troops fought with the French rather than the American troops, there are members of the United States Military who do not know about the heroics of the Harlem Hellfighters.
There are history book writers who are not familiar with these troops and still others who do not want to “Rock the Boat” by bringing any controversy to their books. After all most history books are consumed by schools and they don’t want to upset the established community. Hence the misguided perceptions persist.
At this point, you have a summary of the Harlem Hellfighters. However, for those seeking additional information, please continue with videos and books to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the sacrifices of these brave soldiers who fought for their country and their own dignity and that of their entire community. I salute these courageous men who fought with great principal that should make EVERY American proud!
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John C Abercrombie
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Harlem Hellfighters (World War I)
The 369th Infantry Regiment was constituted on 2nd June 1913 in the New York Army National Guard as the 15th New York Infantry Regiment. And would become known as the first ‘African-American regiment’ to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.
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The Harlem Hellfighters Paperback – Illustrated
From bestselling author Max Brooks, the riveting story of the highly decorated, barrier-breaking, historic black regiment—the Harlem Hellfighters
In 1919, the 369th infantry regiment marched home triumphantly from World War I. They had spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy, or a man to capture, and winning countless decorations. Though they returned as heroes, this African American unit faced tremendous discrimination, even from their own government. The Harlem Hellfighters, as the Germans called them, fought courageously on—and off—the battlefield to make Europe, and America, safe for democracy.
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The Harlem Hellfighters | History
The Harlem Hellfighters were an African-American infantry unit in WWI who spent more time in combat than any other American unit.
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The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage
“We cannot let this history die, nor can we let it fade away. As it has filled me with pride and given me understanding of one group of outstanding soldiers, so it should be passed on to all Americans to appreciate and honor” (from the introduction by coauthor and unit historian Bill Miles)
The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage is a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, this 160-page highly illustrated narrative nonfiction book introduces the unsung American heroes of the 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters.
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Harlem Hellfighters Video 369th Infantry New York National Guard -African American soldiers
A fabled and famed American infantry regiment during World War 1. In spite of prejudice at home, these African American soldiers proved themselves valiant Americans on the battlefield. Famed musician James Reese Europe was their band leader. He introduced jazz to Europe with his Harlem Hellfighters band during World War I.
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Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War: The Undaunted 369th Regiment and the African American Quest for Equality
When on May 15, 1918 a French lieutenant warned Henry Johnson of the 369th to move back because of a possible enemy raid, Johnson reportedly replied: “I’m an American, and I never retreat.” The story, even if apocryphal, captures the mythic status of the Harlem Rattlers, the African-American combat unit that grew out of the 15th New York National Guard, who were said to have never lost a man to capture or a foot of ground that had been taken. It also, in its insistence on American identity, points to a truth at the heart of this book—more than fighting to make the world safe for democracy, the black men of the 369th fought to convince America to live up to its democratic promise. It is this aspect of the storied regiment’s history—its place within the larger movement of African Americans for full citizenship in the face of virulent racism—that Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War brings to the fore.
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369th Harlem Hellfighters
The Armory on 142nd Street and 5th Ave, was home to the 369th Army Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters. They were awarded the Croix de Guerre for Bravery for distinguished fighting with the French in World War I. Sergeant Henry Johnson of the 369th, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, June 2, 2015.
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The Harlem Hellfighters
From bestselling author Max Brooks, the riveting story of the highly decorated, barrier-breaking, historic black regiment—the Harlem Hellfighters
In 1919, the 369th infantry regiment marched home triumphantly from World War I. They had spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy, or a man to capture, and winning countless decorations. Though they returned as heroes, this African American unit faced tremendous discrimination, even from their own government. The Harlem Hellfighters, as the Germans called them, fought courageously on—and off—the battlefield to make Europe, and America, safe for democracy.
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Equipment Used by the 369th Infantry Regiment & 27th NY Division During WW1
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The Harlem Hellfighters Paperback – Illustrated
From bestselling author Max Brooks, the riveting story of the highly decorated, barrier-breaking, historic black regiment—the Harlem Hellfighters
In 1919, the 369th infantry regiment marched home triumphantly from World War I. They had spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy, or a man to capture, and winning countless decorations. Though they returned as heroes, this African American unit faced tremendous discrimination, even from their own government. The Harlem Hellfighters, as the Germans called them, fought courageously on—and off—the battlefield to make Europe, and America, safe for democracy.
We hope you have enjoyed this post on the Harlem Hellfighters. Feel free to share the post and site.
In this post, we see one of the greatest fighting forces in the history of the United States Army, yet for what ever reason, they have been largely overlooked by history. They fought for respect should be bestowed on all American Citizens, yet they were treated with the most severe forms of racism that they were fighting to eliminate. They were segregated upon return to American soil. Those suffering severe debilitating injury were denied pensions.
Now is the time to bestow the recognition these brave troops deserve, end the practices that deny American citizens full rights and work together as one nation!
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