Amsterdam News Staff
The memory of four members of the 369th infantry regiment, known as the “Harlem Hellfighters,” from Montclair are being honored at this year’s Memorial Day tribute in the township. The event will take place Monday at 10 a.m. at Edgemont Park.
Pvt. Crawford Crews, Corp. Austin Barnes, Corp. Benjamin E. Smith and Pvt. Alonzo Mill are being remembered. The African-American soldiers served with the French Army during World War I and were integrated into the French chain of command. The Hellfighters were awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government, making them the first Americans to receive the honor.
This year’s event speaker will be Yann Yochum, deputy consul and head of press and politics at the Consulate General of France in New York. Montclair Mayor Robert D. Jackson will serve as master of ceremonies. The Montclair Community Band will perform patriotic music.
