The Harlem Hellfighters | History

Summary

The Harlem Hell Fighters, a regiment of the New York National Guard, faced prejudice and were initially relegated to labor duties in WWI. Despite being given to the French as a 'throwaway' unit, they emerged as one of the most decorated US Army units, challenging racial stereotypes. Notable hero Henry Johnson's bravery earned him French honors but was unrecognized by the US for decades. The regiment's story highlights the paradox of fighting for democracy abroad while facing inequality at home, emphasizing their fight for citizenship rights.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 The Harlem Hell Fighters were a regiment of New York National Guardsmen who served in World War I and became one of the most decorated units in the US Army despite facing significant adversity.
• 🏆 They were initially set up to fail and humiliated by their own government, but their perseverance and bravery led to them being highly decorated, showcasing the power of black soldiers in the military.
• 🚫 African-Americans faced prejudice and were initially barred from combat roles, being relegated to labor and support duties, reflecting the racial biases of the time.
• 🇫🇷 The regiment was eventually given to the French army, which was seen as an insult, but they proved their mettle and fought alongside French forces, earning their respect.
• 👊 The story of Henry Johnson highlights individual acts of heroism, where despite being wounded, he fought off a German raid single-handedly, demonstrating exceptional courage.
• 🏅 Johnson was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery, but it took the US government 75 years to recognize his heroism with the Legion of Merit, reflecting racial disparities in recognition.
• 🔍 The US government's memorandum to the French government after their service is a stark reminder of the Jim Crow era, showing an attempt to maintain racial inequality even after their heroic service.
• 💔 The lack of recognition and support for Johnson's injuries upon his return to the US is a poignant example of the neglect faced by these soldiers, leading to his untimely death in poverty.
• 🌟 The Harlem Hell Fighters' story is one of valor and courage, but also of the paradoxical treatment of heroes who fought for democracy abroad while facing inequality at home.
• 🗽 For the Harlem Hell Fighters, fighting in World War I was not just about the war itself; it was about fighting for their rights as citizens in the country they were born in.
• 📚 The story of the Harlem Hell Fighters is an important but often overlooked part of American history, highlighting the struggle for racial equality and the fight for recognition of black soldiers' contributions.

Q & A

Who were the Harlem Hell Fighters?

The Harlem Hell Fighters were a regiment of New York National Guardsmen who served in the first World War. They were initially set up to fail by their own government but ended up as one of the most decorated units in the entire U.S. Army.

Why were the Harlem Hell Fighters given to the French army?

The Harlem Hell Fighters were given to the French army as a result of the prejudice and humiliation they faced from their own government, which viewed them as a 'throwaway' unit.

What challenges did African-American soldiers face in joining the U.S. military during World War I?

African-American soldiers faced the challenge of prejudice, with a prevailing perception that they would not perform well in battle, and they had to overcome this bias to serve in the military.

What was the initial role assigned to the Harlem Hell Fighters in the military?

Initially, the Harlem Hell Fighters were assigned to labor duty, unloading ships, building latrines, and providing support services, despite their training and readiness to fight.

Who was Henry Johnson and why is he significant?

Henry Johnson was a remarkable black military hero in U.S. history. He defended a listening post against a German raid with Private NM Roberts, fighting off as many as 30 enemy soldiers, and was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery.

Why did it take the U.S. government 75 years to award Henry Johnson the Legion of Merit?

It took 75 years for the U.S. government to award Henry Johnson the Legion of Merit due to racial discrimination. Had he been white, he likely would have received the Medal of Honor immediately after the war.

What was the paradox faced by the Harlem Hell Fighters upon their return to the United States?

The paradox faced by the Harlem Hell Fighters was that despite their valor and courage in combat, they returned to a nation that did not honor their sacrifice, with no recognition for their injuries and no assistance from the government.

What was the U.S. government's stance on the Harlem Hell Fighters' recognition after their service?

The U.S. government sent a memorandum to the French government after the war, essentially implementing Jim Crow laws, instructing not to give the Harlem Hell Fighters the notion that they were equals, fearing they might demand equality upon their return.

How did the Harlem Hell Fighters' service in World War I impact their fight for civil rights?

The Harlem Hell Fighters' service was about being Americans and serving their country well, which had concrete implications for their fight for civil rights. They were fighting not just for the war but also for the rights to be citizens in the country they were born in.

What was the significance of democracy for African-American soldiers like the Harlem Hell Fighters in 1917?

For African-American soldiers like the Harlem Hell Fighters in 1917, democracy was not just an abstract concept but a weapon and armor, as they fought for a world safe for democracy and, by extension, for their own rights and equality as citizens.