Harlem Hell Fighters

Harlem Hell fighters
- the popular name for the 369th Infantry Regiment
- formerly the 15th New York National Guard Regiment
- the first African-American Regiment during WWI
- commanded by Col. William Hayward
- shipped out from New York Port of Emabarkation on December 27, 1917, and joined its Brigade upon arrival in France, but the unit was relegated to Labor Service duties instead of combat training
- it was finally decided on April 8, 1918 to assign the unit to the French Army for duration of the United States participation in the war.
- The men were issued French helmets and brown leather belts and pouches, although they continued to wear their U. S. uniforms
- during its service the regiment suffered 1500 casualties and took part in the following campaigns:
- Champagne - Marne
-Meuse - Argonne
- Champagne 1918
-Alsace 1918

The Harlem Hell fighters were the first African-American Regiment during WWI, they accomplished a lot during there time in the war and contributed greatly to our victory in the war. They're achievements contributed greatly toward the civil rights movement as well as to the war, but they also opened up many opportunities for African American citizens to join the service.