Ohio's Harlem Hellfighters and Black Devils

By Paul LaRue, Ohio WWI Centennial Commemoration Committee

September 4, 2018

The grave of Harlem Hellfighter Jim Hughett in France. Photo courtesy of Aurelie Kieffer, ABMC.

The most well-known African American World War I combat regiments are the famed Harlem Hellfighters and Black Devils. These regiments were largely built from New York and Illinois National Guard Units. The 369 was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, and the 370 was nicknamed the Black Devils. What you probably don't know is that Ohioans served in both of these regiments. Not only did Ohioans serve; several made the ultimate sacrifice in combat.

Ohio had its own African American National Guard unit that served as the foundation for the 372, also a decorated combat regiment. The majority of the 8500 African American Ohioans served in labor regiments; however, institutional racism barred advancement in the Army for these men. The French Army was much more progressive and accepting of African American Troops. This attitude, plus the incredible need for manpower, created opportunities for African American Ohio Soldiers.

The 317 Engineers was an African American regiment which organized and trained at Camp Sherman (Chillicothe, Ohio). In France, the majority of the work by the 317 included repairing roads, building trenches, etc., yet several soldiers from the 317 served in the Harlem Hellfighters. Ludlow Luther, born in Glendale (Ohio), served in the 317 Engineers, Co. C, until he was transferred to the 369 as a Wagoner. Private Luther was killed in action July 15, 1918. His body was returned to Ohio and buried in Beech Grove Cemetery (greater Cincinnati).

George Scott, like Private Luther, was from Cincinnati and began his service in the 317 Engineers Co. C, before being transferred to the 369, Co. I. Private Scott died of wounds from combat October 1,1918. Private Scott was buried in the Union Baptist Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Jim Hughett was born in Tyler, Texas, and would later move to Columbus, Ohio. Hughett began his service in the 317 Engineers Co. E before being transferred to the 369 Co. H. Private Hughett was killed in action September 26, 1918. Private Hughett is buried in the Meuse Argonne American Cemetery. Other Ohioans also served in the 369. Privates Luther, Scott and Hughett made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the most decorated African American regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters.

The grave of Frank Williams in France. Photo courtesy of Hubert Caloud, ABMC.

The 370, known as the Black Devils, had the most African American officers of any U.S. African American combat regiment. Many African American WWI Officers were dismissed or demoted before reaching France. Several Ohioans served in the 370. Frank Williams, born in Piqua, served in the 370. Private Williams was killed in action September 28, 1918. Private Williams was buried in the Oise - Aisne American Cemetery in France.

Lieutenant Charles C. Jackson was born in Rendville, Ohio, an important African American coal mining town. Lt. Jackson's parents moved their young family to Akron. Charles Jackson went through basic training at Camp Sherman. While at Camp Sherman, Jackson was identified for his leadership skills and would be one of only three African American Officers to come out of Camp Sherman. Most African American WWI Officers were trained at Fort Des Moines. Lt. Jackson would serve as an officer in a combat machine gun company. Lt. Jackson, in a letter printed in the Akron Beacon Journal stated, " ... I had the distinct honor of being on the front lines during the last 20 miles of the drive ...." Lt Jackson was a recipient of the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery in combat. Following the war, Lt. Charles Jackson returned to Akron before moving to Cincinnati to raise his family. He was active in his community and became a life member of the Disabled Veterans of World War I.

The Harlem Hellfighters were the first African American regiment to enter combat in France. They also served for the longest time period in combat and received more commendations than any other African American regiment. The Black Devils helped lead the French and American armies in the last drive of the war. Ohioans proudly served and sacrificed in these famous African American regiments.

Note: If you'd like to learn more about Ohio's African American history, celebrate Ohio's Emancipation Day on September 22 with these resources! 

Sources:

1.) The Official Roster of Ohio Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the World War 1917 - 1918 (various volumes)

2.) Ohio Graves Registration Cards

3,) ABMC Burial database

4.) Akron Beacon Journal: January 13, 1919

5.) Cincinnati Enquirer: November 28, 1980

6.) The Stars and Stripes: April 4, 1919