Colonel William Hayward and the Victory Parade

The Harlem Hellfighters were commanded by a white officer: Colonel William Hayward. When they left for Europe, the 369th was not allowed to participate in the farewell parade. Upon their return, the heroes were honored with this parade in New York City. According the the National Archives: "Colonel Hayward pulled every political string he could to assure his men would be rewarded with a victory parade when they came home in February 1919." In all 380,000 African Americans served in the Army during WWI, 200,000 were sent to Europe and 42,000 of those men saw combat (source: National Archives and Photo also courtesy of the National Archives).

Purple Heart Update: Today, I emailed Senator Bond's office about the Purple Heart, I am trying to have awarded to Tebbs posthumously. Maybe, we will have some luck with his office. Now Congressman Carnahan's office told me that they would only help if I were a direct relative. I am still confident that Private Tebbs will get the medal he deserves. Our plan is to have the medal permanently displayed at the Jefferson Barracks History Museum when it is finally awarded.