"Congress Honors Harlem Hellfighters with Prestigious Gold Medal Amid U.S. History Debate"

Harlem Hellfighters Receive Congressional Gold Medal Amid Debate Over U.S. History The Harlem Hellfighters, a unit of African American soldiers from World War I, were posthumously honored with the Congressional Gold Medal on September 6, 2025, in a ceremony held on Capitol Hill. The highest civilian honor given by Congress was awarded to the 369th Infantry Regiment, decades after their service during World War I was largely ignored by top military brass. According to NPR News, lawmakers first introduced legislation to recognize the Harlem Hellfighters' contributions in 2021, marking the beginning of a long-overdue effort to acknowledge their sacrifices. The award comes amid ongoing efforts to reexamine and revise how American history is remembered and presented. The Harlem Hellfighters were part of the New York National Guard's 369th Infantry Regiment, which served on the front lines in France during World War I. Despite facing intense discrimination and racism, they fought bravely, earning numerous awards for their service, including 171 medals, according to NPR News. However, their contributions were largely ignored by top military brass at the time. House Speaker Mike Johnson presented Debra Willett, the granddaughter of Harlem Hellfighter Sgt. Leander Willett, with the Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of all the "Harlem Hellfighters" during the ceremony. According to NPR News, the medal is the highest civilian honor given by Congress and recognizes the recipients' contributions to American history. The award has been met with praise from historians and lawmakers alike. "This recognition is long overdue," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), who introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Harlem Hellfighters in 2021. "The Harlem Hellfighters were true heroes, and their bravery and sacrifice should never be forgotten." Historians have noted that the award is a significant step towards acknowledging the often-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers during World War I. According to Dr. Adam Hirsch, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania, "This recognition is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Harlem Hellfighters and their role in shaping American history." The ceremony marked a milestone in the ongoing effort to reexamine and revise how American history is remembered and presented. As Rep. Espaillat noted, "We must continue to work towards a more inclusive and accurate representation of our nation's history." The award serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of all Americans. The Congressional Gold Medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The award is a testament to the Harlem Hellfighters' bravery and sacrifice, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of all Americans. This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.