Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Suozzi for his leadership on this bill and for working with me on this fight for justice. I also want to thank Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Member McHenry for working with us to get this bill out of the committee.

Today, I rise in support of this bill to honor a group of brave men who have yet to receive their due commendation: the Harlem Hellfighters.

This distinguished group of African-American and Puerto Rican men were patriots of the highest valor. Their bravery, dedication, perseverance, and service helped the United States and our Allied forces in our fight to secure victory. But, Madam Speaker, these fighters weren't even permitted to serve alongside their fellow White soldiers. Our government threw them to the side--assigning them to a unit of the French Government rather than our own.

They put their lives on the line for the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, despite doing so at a time when many like them did not enjoy the very freedoms they fought to protect.

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Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, these men spent 191 days in combat and were the most active regiment throughout the entire First World War. Under constant enemy fire and cast away from the nation they swore an oath to protect, they still persevered, fighting until the end.

There is no doubt that their heroism impacted the outcome of the war and, undoubtedly, American history as well.

This bill is a necessary first step to righting the decades-old injustice. It is about time the Harlem Hellfighters' invaluable contributions be commended and commemorated, and their service be formally recognized by our government. Let's finally give these men the Congressional Gold Medal they deserve.

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