The most overriding questions were how well they would fight—or if they would fight. They never fought together as a division, although, three of them served very close-by in the Champagne. Once back on U.S. soil, many African American soldiers had mixed feelings about their wartime service. The American military was desegregated two years later by order of President Harry.

The 368th Infantry was an element of the Franco-American liaison group known as Groupement Durand which operated between the American First Army and the French Fourth Army.

The soldiers were issued French rations and equipment, most memorably, the distinctive French helmet.

Ebony Doughboys are the only African American living history group in the US that recreates the history of the Harlem Hellfighters of the 369th Infantry 93rd Infantry Division. S. Truman. 93rd Infantry Division, American, 1917 - 1919 Description A World War I combat helmet. An advance party of the 93d Infantry Division arrived at Guadalcanal, 29 January 1944. For more information on the history of the 369th Infantry during the “great war” as well the uniforms and equipment worn by the 369th Harlem Hellfighters click: www.ebonydoughboys.org Served with French Army regiments, who gave them the nickname of “Blue Hat” due to the blue French helmets they wore with their American uniforms. The 93rd Infantry Division got its start as an all-black outfit during World War I and proved its mettle in ferocious battles in France. Late in 1917, the War Department created two all-black infantry divisions. The soldiers were issued French rations and equipment, most memorably, the distinctive French helmet. Each of the four segregated infantry regiments of the 93rd Division [369th,370th,371st & 372nd] were parceled out to French Divisions. 35: INDEX [omitted] 41: OPERATION MAPS [omitted] Meuse-Argonne (Champagne) Offensive, 368th, 369th and 372d Infantry Regiments, September 26-October 8. Each of the four segregated infantry regiments of the 93rd Division [369th,370th,371st & 372nd] were parceled out to French Divisions. 93rd Division “Blue Hat” Organized December 1917 at Camp Stuart, VA. Comprised of two entirely African American infantry brigades. The symbol consists of a powder blue helmet on a black circle. Thc 92d Division, less the 368th Infantry and the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, was in reserve of the I Corps on September 26. Other echelons landed 6, 17 February and 5 March, one regiment disembarking at the Russell Islands, 7 February.

Table of Organization, Infantry Division, November 11, 1918—Strength of 93d Division—General Table of Casualties—Sources. The 93rd Infantry Division sailed home and was deactivated at their former port of departure—Camp Stoneman, California, on February 3, 1946.