Lawmakers award Congressional Gold Medal to NY's black WWI National Guard unit 'Harlem Hellfighters'

Congressional lawmakers and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to members of New York's all-black National Guard unit the "Harlem Hellfighters." 

The unit, which is part of the New York National Guard's 369th Infantry Regiment, is known for being one of the first African American troops to serve overseas. The group tallied 191 days on the frontlines in Europe during World War I, according to the Department of Defense.

The troops were stationed in France in the winter of 1918 and got the name "Hellfighter" from the Germans because of how aggressively the servicemembers fought. 

"They were exceptional Americans," Hegseth said in remarks at the ceremony. "We ought always thank almighty God for such men; and may we honor them forever, especially because they were not honored in their time."

The medals, which were presented by House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were accepted by descendants of the World War I soldiers. 

"My grandfather and the other brave men that fought alongside him never thought that their courage and their exploits would be celebrated in such a revered setting," Debra Willett, the granddaughter of Sgt. Leander Willett who fought in the unit, said. "They sacrificed, and they thought that they were making a difference, and today proves that they did."

Only two other Congressional Gold Medals have been awarded to all-black military groups, according to Stars and Stripes. Alabama's Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the medal in 2007 and the Montfort Point Marines were awarded the medal in 2011, both from World War II.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.