From Discrimination to Distinction: Beatty Leads Gold Medal Honor for Harlem Hellfighters

WASHINGTON, DC – In a nation where history is increasingly under siege, Congress today came together to ensure one story will be remembered rightly. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Black Caucus, joined Congressional leadership and administration officials to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

Segregated at home and denied the chance to fight under American command, the Harlem Hellfighters were placed with French forces in World War I. For 191 consecutive days they held the front lines, never surrendering ground and never losing a man to capture. Their valor earned them France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre, as well as the fear and respect of the German army that called them “Hellfighters.”

More than a century later, their heroism has now been recognized with America’s highest civilian honor. That recognition came through the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 3642), legislation led by Congresswoman Beatty along with Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY) and Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY).

“This moment is about more than medals. It is about truth,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “The Harlem Hellfighters were more than soldiers. They were symbols of unshakable courage and patriotism, defending an America that discriminated against them. This Gold Medal will forever preserve their story, their sacrifice, and their place in our history. Harlem Hellfighters, we remember you, we honor you, and we thank you. I’m also grateful to Congressmen Suozzi and Espaillat for their partnership in introducing this bill, and proud that, as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, we were able to help make this historic recognition a reality.”

"It’s never too late to do the right thing! In 2019, the Willett family from my hometown of Glen Cove, NY told me about their grandfather, Sergeant Leander Willett, who served bravely and was wounded with the Harlem Hellfighters in World War I. I worked to get Mr. Willett’s posthumous Purple Heart and started to work on this Congressional Gold Medal. I am so grateful to Congressman Espaillat, from Harlem, and then-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Congresswoman Joyce Beatty for helping get over 300 Members of Congress to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation," said Congressman Suozzi. "The Harlem Hellfighters gave everything for America despite extreme circumstances and intense discrimination. This medal is an effort to recognize their sacrifice, their courage and their service, and to say ‘thank you.’”

“Today, we are standing united to honor the heroic and selfless service of the Harlem Hellfighters with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Congressman Espaillat, who represents Harlem in Congress. “We honor the families and legacies of these patriots who gave their all to America's enduring struggle to secure global freedom. They persevered even as they faced racism and discrimination here at home. I was proud to work collaboratively with my colleagues Congressman Suozzi, Congresswoman Beatty, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer to make today possible and ensure our country’s most revered patriots will finally receive rightful recognition and their place in America’s history.”

Today’s bipartisan ceremony featured Speaker Mike Johnson, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader John Thune, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Trump administration officials, descendants of the Harlem Hellfighters and other distinguished guests (full list below).

A full recording of the event can be found HERE with the Congresswoman’s remarks bookmarked.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

Speaker Mike Johnson

Secretary Pete Hegseth

Leader John Thune

Leader Chuck Schumer 

Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03)

Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03)

Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

Col. Bryon Linnehan

Col. Krewasky Salter

Dr. Richard Harris

Ms. Debra Willet and other family members of the Harlem Hellfighters

ATTENDEES:

Treasurer Brandon Beach

Serbian Ambassador to the U.S., Dragan Šutanovac 

Secretary Scott Bessent

Secretary Douglas Collins

General John D. Caine

General Steven Nordhaus

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