The Harlem Hellfighters | History

Summary

The Harlem Hellfighters were a New York National Guard regiment that served in World War I. Despite facing discrimination and initially being assigned support work instead of combat, they ultimately became one of the most decorated units in the U.S. Army.

Black soldiers had to overcome doubts about their ability to fight, as well as prejudice within their own country. Although the Hellfighters had trained and were prepared for battle, they were initially assigned tasks such as unloading ships and building latrines.

The regiment was eventually placed under French command. The video presents this as a consequence of U.S. racial discrimination: General John J. Pershing had insisted that American forces remain under American command, but the Hellfighters were excluded from that arrangement.

The account of Henry Johnson illustrates the regiment’s combat courage. While guarding a listening post with Private Needham Roberts, Johnson fought off a German attack after Roberts was wounded and his weapon stopped working. Though injured himself, Johnson used his rifle as a club and then a knife. France awarded him the Croix de Guerre.

Johnson’s treatment after the battle contrasted sharply with his bravery. The U.S. government took decades to award him the Legion of Merit. He did not receive a Purple Heart, and his injury was not recorded in his military file. Unable to work and without government support, he died penniless in 1929.

The video emphasizes the contradiction between the Hellfighters’ service abroad and the discrimination they faced at home. Their fight for democracy overseas was also a fight for full citizenship and equality in the United States. Their story is presented as an important part of American history: the regiment’s courage helped demonstrate the capabilities of Black soldiers.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Several documentary interviewees and commentators discuss the regiment and its history; their names are not provided in the subtitles.
• General John J. Pershing is quoted on keeping American forces under American command.
• Henry Johnson is discussed, including a statement attributed to him that the fight felt as though it lasted an hour.
• Private Needham Roberts is identified as Johnson’s fellow soldier at the listening post.