The Black American Military Service is often overlooked in the traditional historical narrative of United States involvement during World War I. African Americans fought on the western front to make the world “safe for democracy,” in President Woodrow Wilson’s phrase. They were sources of inspiration for many in the African American community, but evoked fear among some White Americans. Most African-American troops were deployed to labor divisions within the U.S providing manual labor for the war effort. Even the Black soldiers who were deployed to France were first put to work unloading supplies from ships, joining the supply troops known as “Stevedores”. Although very few in comparison to White soldiers, there were a number of African-Americans who did see action in the First World War. Notable exceptions were three regiments of African American soldiers assigned to the French Army.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, the 15th New York “colored” Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hell Fighters, the 372nd Infantry Regiment, called the “Blue Helmets” and the 370th Infantry, given the nickname “Black Devils” by the Germans, all served gallantly. Despite their courage and commitment, these Black American military service units often suffered racial prejudice. These soldiers fought valiantly for the French in the Second Battle of the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The 369th Regiment spent more time in continual combat than any other U.S division of its size, with a staggering 191 days in the front line trenches. In the famous Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the 372nd Infantry Regiment not only proved their fighting qualities, but their stubborn resistance in crises, stood out with great distinction. The 370th Regiment, boasted the highest ranking Black officer in Lt. Col Otis B. Duncan.