Henry Johnson and the Harlem Hellfighters

How were the Harlem Hellfighters initially treated by their own government during World War I?

• They were immediately recognized for their bravery and assigned to frontline combat.

• They were given to the French Army and expected to fail due to racial prejudice.

• They were assigned to high-ranking leadership positions within the US Army.

• They received extensive training and resources to ensure their success.

What significant impact did the Harlem Hellfighters have in World War I, beyond their combat performance?

(a)  

• They established new diplomatic ties with European nations.

• They helped to establish the power of Black soldie
• They developed new military strategies that revolutionized warfare.

• They were instrumental in negotiating the terms of the armistice.

What was a primary reason it was difficult for African Americans to join the United States military during World War I?

(a)  

• There was a perception that African Americans woul
• They lacked the necessary physical fitness for military service.

• The military had already met its recruitment quotas.

• They preferred to serve in non-combat roles.

Upon arriving overseas, what type of duties were many African American units, including the Harlem Hellfighters, initially assigned by the US military?

(a)  

• Frontline infantry combat.

• Intelligence gathering and espionage.

• Labor duties such as unloading ships and building
• Training and instructing new recruits.

What was General Pershing's clear policy regarding American forces joining the war in Europe?

(a)  

• American forces would be integrated into French and British armies to bolster their numbers.

• American forces would fight as a unified American
• American forces would primarily focus on naval operations.

• American forces would only provide logistical support to Allied powers.

What was Henry Johnson's initial combat situation when he and Private Needham Roberts encountered German forces?

• They were leading a large-scale offensive against enemy trenches.

• They were manning a listening post in No-Man's Land when Germans attempted a raid.

• They were providing medical aid to wounded soldiers behind the lines.

• They were on a reconnaissance mission deep within enemy territory.

What did Henry Johnson do after his American gun jammed due to a French cartridge during the German attack?

(a)  

• He retreated to seek reinforcements.

• He surrendered to the German forces.

• He used his rifle as a club and then fought with a
• He called for artillery support.

How was Henry Johnson's bravery initially recognized by the French, and how did the US government's recognition compare?

(a)  

• The French awarded him the Medal of Honor, and the US government quickly followed suit.

• The French awarded him the Croix de Guerre, but th
• Both the French and US governments refused to acknowledge his actions.

• The French gave him a commendation, while the US awarded him the Purple Heart immediately.

What was the purpose of the memorandum sent by the United States government to the French government regarding African American soldiers after their combat performance?

(a)  

• To request that the French provide more advanced weaponry to the African American units.

• To commend the French for their fair treatment of African American soldiers.

• To essentially implement Jim Crow policies and pre
• To ask the French to return the African American soldiers to US command.

What was the unfortunate outcome for Henry Johnson upon his return to the United States after his heroic actions?

• He was awarded the Purple Heart and received full military benefits.

• He became a celebrated national hero and lived a prosperous life.

• He was not awarded the Purple Heart, received no assistance for his injury, and died penniless.

• He was immediately promoted to a high-ranking officer position.