National Infantry Museum

29 JUNE 1916
369th INFANTRY REGIMENT organized in New York City [World War I]

The 369th Infantry Regiment, better known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," was one of the most celebrated American units of World War I. Organized in New York on 29 June 1916 as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment, the unit was composed primarily of African American soldiers at a time when the U.S. military was segregated.

After arriving in France in January 1918, on 01 March 1918 they were reorganized and redesignated as the 369th Infantry Regiment. Because of the U.S. Army's policy of continued segregation between African American and White units, on 08 April 1918 the 369th was reassigned to the 16th Division of the 4th Army of the French Armed Forces. Eventually the 369th Infantry were issued French weapons, helmets, and equipment, although they continued to wear their U.S. uniforms.

The 369th would spend 191 days on the front lines—more than any other American Infantry Regiment during the war. The unit earned a reputation for courage, discipline, and determination under fire. Among its most famous soldiers were Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts, who fought off a German raiding party on 15 May 1918 despite being heavily outnumbered. Johnson later became one of the first Americans awarded France's prestigious Croix de Guerre and on 02 June 2015 was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

The 369th never lost a trench, never had a man captured, and never surrendered ground to the enemy. Upon returning to the United States in 1919, the “Harlem Hellfighters” were honored with a massive victory parade through New York City. Their outstanding combat record challenged racial stereotypes and helped pave the way for greater recognition of African American service members.

The legacy of the 369th Infantry Regiment remains a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of both enemy fire and discrimination. Their achievements are recognized as one of the proudest chapters in the history of the United States Army.

Learn more about the 369th Infantry Regiment during World War I by visiting the National Infantry Museum today – I am the Infantry, FOLLOW ME!