The Men Of Bronze

While the Great War raged in Europe for three long years, the United States maintained its neutrality. On April 2, 1917, President Wilson asked that the United States declare war on Germany

"The world must be made safe for democracy," he stated. Americans moved swiftly to organize, equip, and transport the American Expeditionary Force to Europe's trenches.

African-American participation in the military effort proved controversial. While the United States was engaged in a crusade to make the world safe for democracy, it neglected the fight for equality at home.

Due to the racist segregation of federal office workers, the U.S. Army enlisted both black and white men, but they were made to serve in segregated units. After the black community organized protests, the Army finally agreed to train African American officers, but it never allowed them to be in command of white troops.

The 369th Infantry assisted in resisting the German offensive and launching a counterattack. The 369th Regiment was assigned to the 16th Division of the French Army by General John J. Pershing. The Harlem Hellfighters fought alongside the French at Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood.

It was reported that they spent 191 days in combat, longer than any other American unit in the war. They never lost a foot of ground or had anyone taken prisoner, except two occasions when two men were captured but they were rescued.

The troops of the 369th, who called themselves "Men of Bronze," were considerably more fortunate than other African Americans in France in 1918. Colonel William Hayward, one of the original organizers and proponents, commanded them throughout the war, ensuring continuity of leadership.

Colonel Hayward, unlike many white officers serving in black battalions, appreciated his troops, devoted himself to their welfare, and utilized his political contacts to gain the favor of New Yorkers.

Although African American gallantry was typically unappreciated, over a hundred soldiers of the regiment acquired American and/or French medals.

In May of 1918, they were defending a remote lookout point on the Western Front when a German battalion attacked. Despite being wounded, they refused to surrender and continued fighting with whatever weapons were available.

The 369th's outstanding courage earned them reputation in Europe and the United States. The achievements of Corporal Henry Johnson and Private Needham Roberts were lauded in newspaper headlines.

The 369th, which spent almost six months in battle, maybe the longest of any American unit throughout the war, sustained about 1,500 casualties but received just 900 replacements.

In November, when the armistice was signed, the unit was fatigued due to the inefficient replacement system and the lack of a break from the front.

Recognitions

Perhaps the most renowned member of the 369th was Private Henry Johnson, a former rail station porter from Albany, New York, who gained the nickname "Black Death" for his exploits in France.

Johnson and Private Needham Roberts fought off a 24-man German patrol in May of 1918, despite being gravely wounded. Johnson ordered Roberts to alert the French battalions of the approaching patrol, but Roberts returned to Johnson after the Germans opened fire on their position.

They fought together until Roberts was incapacitated by a German grenade, at which time Johnson made it his goal to hold the line and protect his comrade. Johnson fought with grenades, then the butt of his rifle, and eventually with a bolo knife as their ammunition ran out. According to reports, Johnson killed at least four German soldiers and maybe 30 others, while suffering at least 21 injuries himself.  

More than 100 members of the 369th were awarded American and/or French awards. Johnson was the first American to obtain the Croix de Guerre.

References:

• After 100 years the Harlem Hellfighters nickname is finally official

• In World War I, African American 'Hellfighters from Harlem,' Fought Prejudice to Fight for Their Country

• The Harlem Hellfighters