African American Soldiers in an Automobile
ca. 1917 - 1919
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The original caption for this item is as follows: Famous New York [African American] soldiers return home. [Henry] Johnson, one of heroes of New York's [African American] 369th (old 15th) regiment, passing along Fifth avenue during parade. He is standing in automobile with bouquet presented to him.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, more famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was an infantry regiment during World War I. The regiment is well known for its participation in several key battles including Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry and Meuse-Argonne. By the end of the 369th Infantry’s campaign, they suffered 1,500 casualties, the highest of any U.S. regiment. They also spent 191 days in front-line trenches, longer than any unit of their size. Upon the regiment’s arrival in the United States, they were celebrated with a parade in New York City.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, more famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was an infantry regiment during World War I. The regiment is well known for its participation in several key battles including Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry and Meuse-Argonne. By the end of the 369th Infantry’s campaign, they suffered 1,500 casualties, the highest of any U.S. regiment. They also spent 191 days in front-line trenches, longer than any unit of their size. Upon the regiment’s arrival in the United States, they were celebrated with a parade in New York City.
The members of the 369th Infantry Regiment, despite facing racism at home and in the military, served their country honorably. Their dedicated service played a key role in the success of the United States’ participation in World War I. Over 100 soldiers were presented with American and French decorations. Honors and awards given to the Harlem Hellfighters include, one Medal of Honor, numerous Distinguished Service Crosses, 170 individual Croix de Guerre, a regimental Croix de Guerre, and several unit citations. The Regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in August 2021.
This primary source comes from the Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs.
National Archives Identifier: 533524
Full Citation: Photograph 165-WW-127(39); Famous New York [African American] soldiers return home. [Henry] Johnson, one of heroes of New York...; ca. 1917 - 1919; American Unofficial Collection of World War I Photographs, 1917 - 1918; Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs, Record Group 165; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/american-soldiers-automobile, December 8, 2023]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
