The Harlem Hellfighters: South Carolina and France
Who Were the Harlem Hellfighters?
The Harlem Hellfighters was apart of the 369th Infantry regiment in WWI. They are the most celebrated African-American regiment within World War I due to their heroism. Despite the tribulations, discriminations, and racism they faced, they battled the Allies' adversaries longer than almost all the Americans, as well as bringing jazz to France. The 369th's history begins with the 15th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard in 1916.
About 200 residents from Harlem joined, forming the core of the regiment. There were others from Brooklyn, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and towns up the Hudson River. With the United States' entry into World War I on April 6, 1917, the regiment was federalized and then re-designed the 369th in the beginning of 1918. The all-Black regiment fought to make a safer world for democracy in a segregated army under the command of mostly white officers.
Heroic Training
The Harlem Hellfighters trained at Camp Whitman in Poughkeepsie, New York before training in Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina. Prior to the Harlem Hellfighters coming to South Carolina, they faced an incredulous amount of discrimination. These discrimnatory actions only worsened when training in South Carolina. In 1917, the south was not kind to minorities and, although slavery had been abolished for more than half a century, racism and biogtry was ever present.
Camp Wadsworth Historical Marker
Harlem Hellfighters in France
The U.S refused to have black soldiers fight alongside the white soldiers. This resulted in the Harlem Hellfighters fighting for France. Now the U.S Military fights as one color but times were different. This did not stifle the talent, heroism, and nature of these incredible fighters.
The 369th was on the frontlines and fought longer than the Americans. Those on the front's motto was, "God Damn, Lets go" due to their bloody and gruesome battles. Some speculate that the Harlem Hellfighters got their name from talk of German soldiers saying, they fought so hard they would battle through hell and be victorious. The Harlem Hellfighters were the first to cross the Rhine and enter Germany and 500 Hellfighters would achieve the medal for the highest level of valor: French Croix de Guerre.
Black Paris and The Harlem Hellfighters
At the Universty of South Carolina Upstate, a course titled, "Black Paris", discussed these heroic verterans. Lead by Professor Laroche, students tackled the history of the Harlem Hellfighters, who they were, what they stood for, and the journey that placed them there.
The Harlem Hellfighters were a group of African American soldiers in WWI. These outstanding individuals are the epitome of bravery and valor. They faced adversary in the United States, fought longer than those in the trenches, and fought for those who did not accept them. They saved many lives while risking their own. They brought jazz to France with their army band and fought alongside the French. These heroes trained in Spartanburg, South Carolina and spent some time here. All in all these band of brothers brought safety to the world and fought for those who did not accept them
