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The Harlem Hellfighters were an African-American infantry unit in WWI who spent more time in combat than any other American unit. Despite their courage, sacrifice and dedication to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen that they had faced before they left.
The regiment was nicknamed the Black Rattlers by the Americans. The nickname Men of Bronze was given to the regiment by the French and Hell-fighters was given to them by the Germans.
The New York City-based unit was famous for its prowess in battle and the indignities it suffered at the hands of many white officers. Discrimination was so bad that the regiment was shunted off to fight with the French army and equipped with French helmets and French rifles, historians say.
The history of the regiment is well researched and documented, including its ill treatment and under-utilization by American forces in France,” Burger wrote. “At the time, many Americans, including military leaders, believed African Americans lacked the intelligence and courage to fight.”
The 369th proved the skeptics wrong and went on to achieve a remarkable combat record. It served more time in continuous combat than any other American unit (and) … fought for 191 days on the front, the longest of any unit.
The French government awarded the regiment the Croix de Guerre, and bestowed 171 individual medals for valor, Burger wrote.
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