Blacks in the Military-- Part 5: World War I

Many Blacks joined the U.S. military after the entry of the United States in World War  in 1917.  Of the 200,000 Blacks who served in the regular army, most did so in support roles within segregated units.  Some 170,000 never even left the country.

There were notable exceptions, though.  The 369th  Infantry Regiment, The Harlem Hellfighters, fought alongside the French Army for six months, during which 171 of its members earned the French Legion of Merit honor.

One member of the 369th also received a Medal of Honor, one of only two recipients of that honor among black troops during that war.

--Old Secesh

World War I Heroes Finally Receive Medal of Honor-- Part 4: Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson was assigned to C Company, 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment, an all-black National Guard unit, later the 369th Infantry Regiment.

The unit was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters and was ordered into battle in 1918.  Johnson "became a legend," according to President Obama.  He received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 15, 1918, near the Tourbe and Aisne revers near Sainte-Menehould, France.

Johnson and a fellow soldier were on night sentry duty "along no-man's land" when they were attacked by a German raiding party of at least 12 soldiers.

The Germans fired a hail of bullets at the two American soldiers, who fired back until they ran out of ammunition.  When the other soldier was badly wounded, Johnson prevented him from being taken prisoner.

He stuck another magazine into his rifle, but when it jammed, he used it as a club.  he then grabbed his bolo knife and went to save his friend. In just two minutes of fighting, he had defeated the entire  raiding party and saved his friend.

Crippled from his injuries, Johnson died in his early 30s and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.