Harlem's Rattlers and the Great War

Harlem's Rattlers and the Great War chronicles the story of the 369th Regiment, an African American military unit that served in World War I. The book traces the regiment's formation, training, and combat experiences during the war. The narrative examines the complex racial dynamics within the U.S. military during this period, documenting both the discrimination faced by African American soldiers and their determination to prove themselves in combat. Through extensive research and primary sources, the authors present the social and political context that shaped the regiment's experiences. This work connects the 369th Regiment's military service to broader themes of citizenship, equality, and civil rights in early 20th century America. It demonstrates how African American military participation in World War I influenced subsequent struggles for racial justice in the United States.

Readers consistently note the depth of research and historical detail in documenting the 369th Infantry Regiment's story. Multiple reviewers highlight how the book corrects misconceptions about the unit and provides context beyond just military actions. Liked: - Thorough coverage of both military service and social/political dynamics - Inclusion of individual soldiers' personal accounts - Clear explanations of racial policies in WWI-era military - High-quality photographs and documentation Disliked: - Dense academic writing style that some found difficult to follow - Occasional repetition of facts and details - Price point considered high by several readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (17 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (15 reviews) Notable review quote from Amazon: "While academic in tone, this is the definitive account of the 369th Infantry Regiment that puts their service in proper historical context." - Military historian reader

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🎖️ The 369th Infantry Regiment spent 191 days in frontline trenches - longer than any other American unit in WWI - and never lost a foot of ground or had a soldier taken prisoner. 🌟 Before being called "Harlem's Rattlers," the unit was first known as the "15th New York National Guard Regiment" and later gained the nickname "Hellfighters" from their German opponents. 📚 Author Jeffrey T. Sammons is a professor at New York University who has dedicated over 30 years to researching African American military history and sports history. 🎭 The regiment's military band, led by James Reese Europe, helped introduce jazz to European audiences during their service in France. 🏅 Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th, became the first American soldier to receive France's highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre, for single-handedly fighting off a German raid.