"e;We cannot let this history die, nor can we let it fade away. As it has filled me with pride and given me understanding of one group of outstanding soldiers, so it should be passed on to all Americans to appreciate and honor"e; (from the introduction by coauthor and unit historian Bill Miles)The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courageis a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, this 160-page highly illustrated narrative nonfiction book introduces the unsung American heroesof the 369th Infantry Regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters.A good choice for book reports and other research by middle grade studentsas well as for parents and teachers to share with young people interested in World War II and African American history.At a time of widespread bigotry and racism, the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment put their lives on the line in the name of democracy.Bill Miles wrote: "e;The 369th was not only an outstanding military unit; it also represented a part of the history of my Harlem community and, as such, part of my history as well. As I learned the story of the regimenthow it was first formed, its glorious record in World War II knew I was discovering a hidden history of African American accomplishments."e;He continued: "e;As unit historian I recognize that the documentation of the 369th is as vital to understanding the African American experience as any story about slavery or the civil rights movement. For in the story of the 369thin the trenches of France, in the battles of Meuse-Argonne, and at the bloody siege of Sechaultwe have African Americans defining their own characters with courage and determination, writing their own history in sweat and blood."e;
The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not simply one
of victory in a war. . . . It is the story of men who
acted as men, and who gave a good account of
themselves when so many people thought,
even hoped, that they would fail.
What defines a true hero?
The "Harlem Hellfighters," the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I, redefined heroism -- for America, and for the world. At a time of widespread bigotry and racism, these soldiers put their lives on the line in the name of democracy.
The Harlem Hellfighters: When Pride Met Courage is a portrait of bravery and honor. With compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, Michael L. Printz Award winner Walter Dean Myers and renowned filmmaker Bill Miles deftly portray the true story of these unsung American heroes.
