The 369th Infantry Regiment began as the 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment of the National Guard. It was officially organized in June 1916 in New York City, composed of Black enlisted men with both Black and white officers. Governor Charles Whitman appointed Col. William Hayward (a white former Nebraska NG officer) to command the unit, and Hayward set high standards for integrated leadership and respect. Recruitment efforts focused on Harlem’s African American community – at the time, ab

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers lined the streets to welcome home the 369th Infantry Regiment on February 17th. Check out the picture in our gallery “The International Stage: 1898-1920” #blackhistorymonth #army #infantry #military #history | National Infantry Museum

The 369th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, were the first African American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Force in World War I. Their accomplishments and heroism stood in stark contrast to the racism and discrimination they faced on the home front. https://abcn.ws/3pPo60t | ABC News

The Harlem Hellfighters: Fought Abroad, Betrayed at Home The Harlem Hellfighters — the 369th Infantry Regiment — were an all‑Black unit in World War I who fought longer in combat than any American unit. Denied recognition at home, they endured segregation, discrimination, and disrespect despite earning France’s highest honors. This is the hidden story of Black courage and betrayal that history textbooks erased. Harlem Hellfighters, 369th Infantry, Black soldiers WWI, African American military hi