USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, were assigned to the French Army in April 1918.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Harlem Hellfighters fought the Germans at the battles of Belleau Wood and Chateau-Thiery. They distinguished themselves in combat, serving more than 6 months on the front lines while suffering more than 1400 casualties.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Germans fighting against them called the 369th Infantry men Hollenkampfer, German for hellfighter. This is how they received the nickname Harlem Hellfighters. They called themselves Harlem’s Rattlers, after the snake on the Revolutionary War-era Gadsden flag.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Harlem Hellfighters were an African-American infantry unit in WWI who spent more time in combat than any other American unit. Despite their courage, sacrifice and dedication to their country, they returned home to face racism and segregation from their fellow countrymen.