[African American] Jazz Band and Leader Back with [African American] 15th New York. Lieutenant Jame . . .

Castle, Vernon, 1887-1918

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w63n3905 (person)

United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 369th

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w62k71sp (corporateBody)

The 369th Infantry Regiment, formerly known as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment, was an infantry regiment of the New York Army National Guard during World War I and World War II. The Regiment consisted mainly of African Americans, though it also included a number of Puerto Rican Americans during World War II. It was known for being the first African American regiment to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The regiment was nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters, t...

Europe, James Reese, 1881-1919

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68k86wb (person)

During World War I, Europe enlisted in the armed services as a private, passed an officer's exam and became a lieutenant. As an officer he was assigned to the New York 15th Infantry in Harlem and was told to form a band. On New Year's day, 1918, Europe and the band traveled to France and were assigned combat duty under French command. Europe thus became the first African-American officer to lead combat troops into battle. The New York 15th Infantry was later renamed the 369th Infant...