The 370th Infantry Regiment, one of the most distinguished African American units in U.S. military history, was initially formed as part of the Illinois National Guard in 1898. Originally known as the 8th Illinois Infantry, it was unique for being entirely manned by Black officers and soldiers, a rare arrangement in the segregated military of the time. The regiment first saw combat during the Mexican Border Campaign in 1916, where it served with distinction under challenging conditions. This experience helped prepare the unit for its most significant contribution in World War I, where it would make history as the only Black regiment in the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) to serve under French command.
When the United States entered World War I, the 370th Infantry Regiment was mobilized and eventually sent to Europe, where it fought alongside the French 157th "Red Hand" Division. The French, unlike many American military leaders, held less prejudice against Black soldiers, which allowed the 370th to engage in direct combat and earn honors for their service. Known as the "Black Devils" by the Germans due to their ferocity in battle, the men of the 370th earned a reputation for bravery and effectiveness in combat. They participated in several key battles along the Western Front, including at Oise-Aisne and Meuse-Argonne, playing crucial roles in pushing back German forces. Their efforts earned numerous soldiers the Croix de Guerre, a prestigious French military honor awarded for acts of heroism.
Despite their battlefield achievements, the 370th Infantry faced significant prejudice and challenges, both during their service and upon returning home. While the French honored them, the U.S. Army was reluctant to recognize the regiment’s contributions, and Black soldiers returned to a society still entrenched in segregation and racial discrimination. Many soldiers found that their heroic service overseas had little impact on their civil rights at home, a disillusioning reality that would galvanize some of them to join the growing movement for civil rights in the years following the war. The regiment itself continued to exist within the Illinois National Guard, but racial biases limited its advancement and recognition within the broader military hierarchy.
The legacy of the 370th Infantry Regiment endures as an example of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of justice within a segregated military. In subsequent years, particularly in World War II, the regiment continued to serve, though segregation persisted until 1948, when President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces. The accomplishments of the 370th paved the way for future African American military units and inspired future generations to challenge racial barriers. Today, the legacy of the "Black Devils" is remembered as part of the rich history of Black military service in the United States, reflecting both the profound challenges and the undeniable contributions of African American soldiers in defending their country.
