Two Press Photographs Relating to the 15th Infantry

New York: Underwood and Underwood, 1919. First Edition. Gelatin silver prints, 7 ¾ x 5 ½ inches each on 11 ½ x 7 inch black paper mounts, captioned with affixed text. Very Good. Two WWI-era press photographs related to the Negro 15th Infantry Division of the New York National Guard (a.k.a. the 369th US Infantry Regiment) and their white commander, Colonel William Hayward. One photograph shows the division on parade in New York following their return from combat duty in France in 1919, the other is a well-known image of Hayward, who organized the all-black unit and served as its leader. Fighting for a record-breaking 191 consecutive days alongside French troops in the trenches, the regiment became known as the "Harlem Hellfighters."

The opportunity for African-Americans to serve in WWI arose from the Selective Service Act of 1917, which drafted all men between the ages of twenty-one and thirty. Special segregated training camps were established and units were formed. The US National Archives states that 200,000 African-Americans served in Europe during WWI, but only 42,000 saw combat. When the 15th Infantry arrived in France in 1918, Hayward was committed to the idea that his unit would fight on the front lines. After General Pershing refused to integrate them with the full US army, Hayward pushed for another assignment, under French command. Unlike many other segregated divisions in WWI, the 15th (aka 369th) was eventually sent to the trenches. Its members' distinguished service brought honor and fame. Before leaving the US in 1917, the regiment had not been allowed to participate in the New York National Guard's farewell parade. When they returned victorious, Hayward ensured they were publicly honored.

Both with various press stamps to versos. Small closed tear of about a half inch to upper edge of parade picture, good overall. Hayward portrait with some rippling at edges, very good overall.