During World War I, or The Great War, the American military created two combat divisions for African Americans. One, the 92nd Division, was composed of draftees and officers. The second, the 93rd Division (later known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was mostly made up of National Guard units from cities like New York, Chicago, and Cleveland.
The 92nd Division faced one loss on the field that the world used as confirmation blacks weren’t fit to serve their country in war. That was until the Harlem Hellfighters’ success. When they returned to New York City after their victories at war, according to the Tribune, Never have white Americans accorded so heartfelt and hearty a reception to a contingent of their black country-men” and “the ebony warriors” felt it.
Although not introduced until The Witch’s March resolution, Martin Fox served as a Harlem Hellfighter. One of Hattie’s love interests, he fought during the final Meuse-Argonne Offensive.