369TH U.S. INFANTRY PARADES DOWN FIFTH AVENUE
New York City (JFK+50) On February 17, 1919, the 369th all-black United States Infantry*, including "some of the most decorated and accomplished American soldiers" of World War I, marched in parade "up 5th Avenue from downtown all the way through Harlem."
New York City (JFK+50) On February 17, 1919, the 369th all-black United States Infantry*, including "some of the most decorated and accomplished American soldiers" of World War I, marched in parade "up 5th Avenue from downtown all the way through Harlem."
The parade included 1200 men, along with their band led by James Reese Europe**. The regiment, which suffered the most losses of any American regiment in the war, spent 191 days at the front, more than any other unit.
Journalist Irvin Cobb wrote...
"If ever proof was needed...that the color of a man's skin has nothing to do with the color of his soul, this twain then and there offered it in abundance."
In 1917, the French more than welcomed the 369th to the front, particularly since Russia had quit the war. While the soldiers called themselves the "Black Rattlers," the Germans referred to them as the "Harlem Hellfighters."
*369th U.S. Infantry (1913-1946) served in both world wars. The regiment suffered 1500 casualties in WWI.
**James Reese Europe (1880-1919) was born in Mobile, AL & moved to Washington, D.C. in 1889 where he studied music. Moving to NYC at age 20, JRE became a musical director & founded the Clef Club. His orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall. JRE was killed by his drummer in an argument while on tour in Boston.
SOURCES
"James Reese Europe: Bandleader Who Popularized Jazz & Ragtime," www.americacomesalive.com/
"'The Harlem Hellfighters Parade (1919)", www.janos.nyc.
Famous Soldiers Return Home
February 17 1919
National Archives at College Park
NARA Photo
