Press Release
☷The Harlem Hellfighters A Legacy of Lasting Impact
National Guard ( By Press Release office)
Mar 09,2024
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In recent years , the name Harlem Hellfighters has caused confusion for some , curiosity for others , and immense pride for those familiar with the stories of bravery and triumph . However , not many people know about the tragedies and short lives that were also a part of their history . Since gaining recognition in 1918 , when a journalist wrote about the courageous acts of Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts battling German soldiers in France , the Harlem Hellfighters went from being a determined group of African American soldiers to becoming the top sustainment brigade of the New York Army National Guard . Their service at home and abroad left a lasting impact wherever they went . Over 100 years later , their story is now being spread through mass media , reaching those who were previously unaware of it . Recently , twelve current Harlem Hellfighters attended a screening of a History Channel documentary about their unit . The documentary , produced by Robin Roberts from Good Morning America , was the second of its kind . Attendees included contributors to the film , author and New York University professor Jeffrey Sammons , and James Reese Europe III , the grandson of the Hellfighters ' band leader during World War I , who shares the same name . Their acts of bravery and gallantry earned them one of France ' s highest honors , the Croix de Guerre . However , after their initial return home , many of the soldiers faced tragedy or died in poverty due to segregation , racial discrimination , lynching , and medical malpractice . Despite these challenges , their story lived on through the survivors , their descendants , and others who overcame adversity and oppression . On February 24 , three granddaughters of James Reese Europe visited the Harlem Armory and received a tour from the command team there . They also visited a replica of the black granite obelisk monument in Sechault , France , which honors the Hellfighters ' contribution to France ' s liberation from the Germans . During their last visit to France , the French warmly welcomed them , as the Hellfighters ' story had become legendary . The documentary about the Harlem Hellfighters premiered on Feb . 4 and is shown occasionally . The brigade has gone through changes but still exists as the 369th Sustainment Brigade . They now operate in the Harlem Regiment Armory in New York . The legacy of the Hellfighters is kept alive through various initiatives , including the 369th Experience . In 2024 , they will participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade . Monmouth University is working on a documentary about the Hellfighters during World War II . Paramount Pictures has partnered with the 369th Sustainment Brigade through their Veterans Network . They have also started a letter - writing campaign for volunteers to support the brigade units deployed overseas .
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