Harlem Hellfighters to Receive Congressional Gold Medal in September

WASHINGTON — Their bravery knew no bounds during the first World War, and come September the descendants of the Harlem Hellfighters will finally see their heroic loved ones receive the Congressional Gold Medal for their tenacity and sacrifice.

The Hellfighters, for those not up on their early 20th century history, were officially the 369th Infantry Regiment, a corps of African American fighters known for the combat prowess and the pioneering role they played in bringing Jazz to Europe.

Despite facing racial discrimination at home, they served with distinction in the French Army, earning numerous accolades, including the Croix de Guerre, and becoming one of the most decorated units in the war. 

Seeing them honored has been the quest of Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., who successfully got the law passed to honor the regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal in August 2021.

Since then, however, actually arranging to bestow the medal has been something of a challenge. This past week, Suozzi formally introduced a resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the ceremony.

The resolution, which has been referred to the Committee on House Administration, says the event will take place on Sept. 3.

The Harlem Hellfighters regiment was initially part of the New York National Guard, and was reorganized as the 369th regiment upon its federalization.

While most of its members were African Americans, the regiment also included men from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guyana, Liberia, Portugal, Canada and the West Indies, as well as White American officers.

One of the first African American units to serve with the American Expeditionary Force during World War I, it ultimately spent 191 days in the front line trenches — more than any other American unit.

Its members were also the first Allied forces to cross the Rhine River into Germany, precipitating the end of the war.

But their unrelenting valor came at a high cost, as they suffered the most losses of any American regiment, with 1,500 casualties.

In addition to their skills and bravery in battle, the Harlem Hellfighters are also remembered for their military band — a key to keeping morale up during the war.

During the war, the 369th’s regimental band (under the direction of James Reese Europe) became famous throughout Europe by introducing the until-then unknown music called jazz to the British, French and other European audiences.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue