The Ship That Carried The Hell Fighters
60" x 27" x 28", 2023
60" x 27" x 28", 2023
Dedicated to the Harlem Hell Fighters, an African-American infantry group recognized for spreading American jazz to Europe during World War I. The Hell Fighters, volunteers from Spanish Harlem, made two stops in Puerto Rico to acquire the best woodwind instruments and musicians. Due to segregation, they wore French uniforms. Despite facing discrimination, they spent more time on the front lines than any other infantry unit. Their enemies gave them the nickname "Hell Fighters." Accredited with reducing a town's defending force from 700 to 150 soldiers in less than 24 hours, they were the first infantry to enter Germany. The Hell Fighters received French highest honors for their bravery and achievements.
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The medals adorned on the helmet are my fathers that he earned as a General Foreman at the Newport News Naval Yard.
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The vest belongs to my middle brother, who serves in the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Photos courtesy of Ramla Hussain.