Representative Adriano Espaillat Leads Congressional Gold Medal Recognition Honoring the Harlem Hellfighters

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) joined Congressional leadership and administration officials to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

The Harlem Hellfighters, comprised primarily of African American soldiers from New York, answered the call of duty in the face of systemic discrimination and prejudice, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the United States and its fundamental principles. The Regiment engaged in continuous combat on the Western Front for one hundred ninety-one days, longer than any other American unit, thereby establishing a record of gallantry and endurance unmatched in the Great War.

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 Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY), Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY), and Congresswoman Beatty (OH).

The valor of the Harlem Hellfighters was recognized not only by the United States, but also by the French Republic, whose government awarded numerous Croix de Guerre medals to members of the Regiment in acknowledgment of their heroism.
Their sacrifices and contributions advanced the cause of liberty abroad while illuminating the persistent struggle for equality and justice at home.

"Today, we are standing united to honor the heroic and selfless service of the Harlem Hellfighters with the Congressional Gold Medal," said Rep. Adriano 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."

"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.'"

"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."

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Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government's vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

Media inquiries: Candace Person at [email protected]