Congress honors Harlem Hellfighters with Congressional Gold Medal

On September 3, 2025, Congress held a ceremony in Washington, D.C. to honor the brave men of the Army's 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, by awarding them with a Congressional Gold Medal. This recognition came after years of effort by New York's congressional members, who spent almost five years securing the award for these veterans who served during World War I. The presentation was made by House Speaker Mike Johnson to Debra Willett, whose grandfather, Sergeant Leander Willett, fought with the regiment in France, earning their legendary reputation. During the ceremony, Willett expressed her gratitude, highlighting the sacrifices made by her grandfather and his fellow soldiers. The regiment's deployment in France, authorized by President Woodrow Wilson amid existing racial segregation in the military, saw them fight bravely despite facing significant casualties, including more deaths than any other American unit. Recognizing their courage and valor, several prominent political figures, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, spoke about the unit's legacy, detailing their exemplary service, which included 191 consecutive days in combat. Former President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal, reaffirming the importance of acknowledging the contributions of these soldiers. Additionally, former President Barack Obama previously awarded the Medal of Honor to Pvt. William Henry Johnson, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, for his heroic actions during an attack in 1918, showcasing the extraordinary dedication of this distinguished regiment.