WDT - Infantry Eagle Standard Issue Team Tee
We Died Too - Saluting the 369th Infantry for their service and all the forgotten fallen. #GoBirds
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
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The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters” displayed incalculable courage in combat during World War I. They served 191 consecutive days in combat on the Western Front, longer than any other American unit. Under French command, because the US would not have them, the Hellfighters compiled a highly impressive battlefield record. Personifying their motto “Let’s Go!” the 369th took part in several major offensives— and in doing so, never had a man captured, never lost a foot of ground, and never had a defensive position compromised. Ever.
As impressive as the feats were, the US did not believe they were worthy of honoring. The 369th and all other segregated black regiments were barred from participating in victory parades in the US by racist local officials and denied homecoming honors. Additionally, they faced violence, bigotry, denial of benefits, government neglect, and societal hostility after risking their lives for their country.
Fortunately, the French government did recognize their valor, awarding the Croix de Guerre military honor to the entire regiment. It was extremely rare for a foreign unit to be given the award, which was considered a high honor of battlefield merit. The Hellfighters were the first American unit to do so.
Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the U.S. Army, the 369th compiled an outstanding record of valor and sacrifice under French command on the Western Front. After the war, the 369th's achievements helped advance the cause of racial integration in the military, though progress came slowly. Today, the 369th is honored for breaking barriers as the first all-black American infantry unit to fight in combat overseas.
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
We Died Too - Saluting the 369th Infantry for their service and all the forgotten fallen. #GoBirds
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
=========
The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters” displayed incalculable courage in combat during World War I. They served 191 consecutive days in combat on the Western Front, longer than any other American unit. Under French command, because the US would not have them, the Hellfighters compiled a highly impressive battlefield record. Personifying their motto “Let’s Go!” the 369th took part in several major offensives— and in doing so, never had a man captured, never lost a foot of ground, and never had a defensive position compromised. Ever.
As impressive as the feats were, the US did not believe they were worthy of honoring. The 369th and all other segregated black regiments were barred from participating in victory parades in the US by racist local officials and denied homecoming honors. Additionally, they faced violence, bigotry, denial of benefits, government neglect, and societal hostility after risking their lives for their country.
Fortunately, the French government did recognize their valor, awarding the Croix de Guerre military honor to the entire regiment. It was extremely rare for a foreign unit to be given the award, which was considered a high honor of battlefield merit. The Hellfighters were the first American unit to do so.
Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the U.S. Army, the 369th compiled an outstanding record of valor and sacrifice under French command on the Western Front. After the war, the 369th's achievements helped advance the cause of racial integration in the military, though progress came slowly. Today, the 369th is honored for breaking barriers as the first all-black American infantry unit to fight in combat overseas.
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
We Died Too - Saluting the 369th Infantry for their service and all the forgotten fallen. #GoBirds
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
=========
The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters” displayed incalculable courage in combat during World War I. They served 191 consecutive days in combat on the Western Front, longer than any other American unit. Under French command, because the US would not have them, the Hellfighters compiled a highly impressive battlefield record. Personifying their motto “Let’s Go!” the 369th took part in several major offensives— and in doing so, never had a man captured, never lost a foot of ground, and never had a defensive position compromised. Ever.
As impressive as the feats were, the US did not believe they were worthy of honoring. The 369th and all other segregated black regiments were barred from participating in victory parades in the US by racist local officials and denied homecoming honors. Additionally, they faced violence, bigotry, denial of benefits, government neglect, and societal hostility after risking their lives for their country.
Fortunately, the French government did recognize their valor, awarding the Croix de Guerre military honor to the entire regiment. It was extremely rare for a foreign unit to be given the award, which was considered a high honor of battlefield merit. The Hellfighters were the first American unit to do so.
Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the U.S. Army, the 369th compiled an outstanding record of valor and sacrifice under French command on the Western Front. After the war, the 369th's achievements helped advance the cause of racial integration in the military, though progress came slowly. Today, the 369th is honored for breaking barriers as the first all-black American infantry unit to fight in combat overseas.
“A soldier lives forever as long as he is remembered…” - Timothy McCoy, National Historian 2nd Ranger Co. Association
