Harlem Hellfighters
Congressional Gold Medal
On September 3, 2025, The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, were posthumously honored with a Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.’s Arlington National Cemetery. Simultaneously, the City of Mount Vernon and Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard held a wreath laying ceremony at the “Warriors Way” in Brush Park. The medal ceremony recognized the unit's heroism and sacrifice during World War I.
The "Harlem Hellfighters" were the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment that served with distinction in World War I under French command. Despite facing racism in the U.S. Army, they became the American unit with the most time in continuous combat, 191 days. Although the unit suffered over 1,400 casualties, they never lost a man as a prisoner, and never lost an inch of ground. They earned their nickname, "Hollenkampfer" (Hellfighters), from German soldiers due to their tenacity, exceptional valor in combat and ferocity in battle.
The City of Mount Vernon New York produced 22 Harlem Hellfighters, and on September 3, 2025, a contingent from Mount Vernon, joined U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16), local and state officials, service members, family members and descendants of the Harlem Hellfighters at the wreath laying ceremony in Washington D.C.
“As a proud son of Mount Vernon, it is my honor to recognize the service and achievements of 22 fellow sons of Mount Vernon who answered the call to serve during World War I,” said Rep. Latimer. “These brave men are finally receiving overdue recognition of their extraordinary valor, unwavering service and critical place in our country’s history. It is too late for them to see it, but I know their families and descendants here today cherish this honor and will carry on their legacy.”
“Mount Vernon is proud to have been home to men who served in this legendary regiment, and we will continue to honor their legacy of service, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of equality,” said Mount Vernon’s Mayor Patterson-Howard. The day for the group in Washington D.C. day ended with a reception at the French embassy.
The 369th Infantry Soldiers earned 171 Croix de Guerre medals --France’s highest award for valor-- and were the first Americans to march into Germany at the war’s end. On September 3, 2025, the descendants of these brave men were presented with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award Congress can bestow.
