371st Infantry Regiment (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 371st Infantry Regiment |
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Distinctive Unit Insignia
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Engagements | World War I |
The 371st Infantry Regiment was a special regiment in the United States Army. It was made up of African Americans during a time when the military was segregated. This brave unit fought in both World War I and World War II. In World War I, they served with the French Army. In World War II, they were part of the 92nd Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign.
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The 371st Regiment in World War I
The 371st Infantry Regiment started on August 31, 1917. It was first called the 1st Provisional Infantry Regiment. Most of its soldiers were draftees, meaning they were called to serve. The regiment was formed at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. It officially became the 371st Infantry Regiment on December 1, 1917. It was supposed to be part of the 93rd Division, but that division was never fully put together.
The regiment traveled to France in April 1918. Once there, the unit was placed under the command of the French Army. This is why many of their awards are French. The 371st Infantry, along with the 372nd Infantry Regiment, joined the French 157th Infantry Division. This French division was known as the "Red Hand Division." They needed more soldiers, and the American regiments helped a lot.
Fighting on the Western Front
The 371st Regiment fought bravely on the Western Front in France. They held their positions for over three months. Later, they joined a major attack in the Champagne region. During this attack, they captured important areas like Hill 188 and several towns. They also took many prisoners and a lot of enemy equipment. This included machine guns, cannons, and supplies.
The fighting was very intense, especially from September 28 to October 6, 1918. The regiment suffered many losses during these days. Despite the heavy fire, the soldiers showed great courage. Officers continued to lead their men even when wounded. Their bravery earned the regiment much fame.
Awards and Honors
The 371st Regiment received the French Croix de Guerre as a unit. This is a high military honor. Many individual soldiers also received awards. One officer earned the French Légion d'Honneur. Twenty-two officers and men received the Distinguished Service Cross (United States) from the U.S. Army. One hundred twenty-three soldiers received the French Croix de Guerre.
After the war, the regiment returned to the U.S. in February 1919. They were officially disbanded at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, at the end of the month.
Medal of Honor Recipient
Corporal Freddie Stowers was a soldier from the 371st Infantry. He is the only one from the regiment to receive the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States. His recommendation for the medal was lost at the time. However, in 1991, the medal was finally awarded to him. This happened after the Army reviewed awards for African American soldiers.
Regiment's Monument
A monument honoring the 371st Regiment was built in France. It is located near where Corporal Stowers earned his Medal of Honor. The monument is in the Meuse-Argonne region. It was finished after the regiment returned home. During World War II, the monument was damaged by artillery fire. It remains in that damaged state today, showing its history.
The 371st Regiment in World War II
The 371st Regiment was brought back into service on October 15, 1942. This happened at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas. It became part of the 92nd Infantry Division. This division was also made up of African American soldiers.
The unit moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, in May 1943. In September 1944, they prepared to go overseas. They sailed from Hampton Roads and arrived in Livorno, Italy, on October 18, 1944. The regiment joined the fighting on October 31, 1944. They were part of the Italian Campaign along the Gothic Line.
Role in the Italian Campaign
By late December 1944, the 92nd Infantry Division was fighting in the Serchio Valley. A German attack caused the division to retreat. However, the Germans were stopped by the 8th Indian Infantry Division. In February 1945, other regiments of the 92nd Division regained much of the lost land.
Later, the 92nd Infantry Division was reorganized. The 371st Regiment was moved from the front lines. They were given "security" duties, which meant they helped with military police tasks. Other units, like the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, took their place in combat. The 371st stayed on these rear area duties until they returned to the U.S. in November 1945.
The 371st Regiment was officially disbanded at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on November 28, 1945.
Campaign Streamers
The 371st Infantry Regiment earned special honors for its service in World War II. These honors are called Campaign Streamers. They represent the major battles and areas where the regiment fought.
- European Theater
- Rome-Arno
- North Apennines
- Po Valley
See also
- 371st U.S. Infantry regiment on French Wikipedia (in French)
