NEW YORK (AP) _ A monument was unveiled Friday to the all-black 369th Regiment, known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” who fought in France during World War I.
Located across the street from the 369th Armory in Harlem, the 12-foot-high black granite obelisk is a replica of the memorial that stands in Sechault in Northern France and is engraved with the regiment’s crest and coiled rattlesnake insignia.
During World War I, soldiers were segregated by race, and the 369th from New York was considered the first black regiment in the war. Members fought at an offensive at Meuse-Argonne, and during the liberation of Sechault on September 29, 1918. The ceremony Friday also marked the 88th anniversary of the battle.
The regiment was honored with a victory parade up Fifth Avenue when they returned to the U.S. after World War I. During World War II, the regiment fought at Okinawa and later fought in the Korean and Persian Gulf wars. The unit serves today as a sustainment brigade.
An area historical society and veteran’s association raised $12,000 for the monument. The redesigned triangle park where the monument is located cost $107,000 to revamp and was funded by the City Council, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe said.
Source: Newsday
Related: 1010 Wins
Rodney B Cassell
March 11, 2007
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This history is far more exciting and interesting than learning about George Washington cutting down a cherry tree.
Besides…………. As we speak.. I’M
very proud to tell you the 369th was my
Grandfather’s regiment.. I have his discharge
papers in my possession. He was with the Medical
Detachment 369th Infantry…………….July 25 1917……..