Harlem Hellfighters awarded Congressional Gold Medal
By Claire Barrett and J.D. Simkins
Sep 5, 2025, 11:58 AM
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Sept. 3 to the Harlem Hellfighters, one of the most renowned Black combat units of World War I.
Descendants of those soldiers were in attendance to accept the recognition, Congress’ highest civilian award, on behalf of their ancestors’ actions during a ceremony in Washington, according to a DOD press release.
The approval of the medal was passed in Congress on Aug. 9, 2021, during the Biden administration.
Highly decorated, the 369th Infantry Regiment was initially nicknamed the “Black Rattlers” for the rattlesnake insignia that adorned their uniforms.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/military-history/2025/09/05/harlem-hellfighters-awarded-congressional-gold-medal/
