Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 13th district and a former member of the New York State Assembly and Senate, shared on social media his leadership in awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters.
On September 4, 2025, Espaillat posted: “Hoy, me enorgulleció liderar los esfuerzos para otorgar la Medalla de Oro del Congreso al 369.º Regimiento de InfanterÃa, conocido como los Harlem Hellfighters. Su valor y dedicación al servicio de nuestra nación siempre serán recordados.”
In a subsequent post on the same day, he expressed gratitude to his constituents: “Gracias a cada uno de los constituyentes de Harlem que me acompañaron hoy en Washington para presenciar el momento histórico que muchas familias y miembros de la comunidad han esperado durante casi un siglo. Reconociendo el servicio desinteresado de los Harlem Hellfighters con”
Later that afternoon, Espaillat added: “The face of health has spoken https://t.co/koDokvnBn0 https://t.co/VltzKm1KWu”.
The recognition of the Harlem Hellfighters comes after nearly a century of advocacy for their contributions during World War I. The regiment is celebrated for its bravery and service despite facing discrimination at home and abroad.
Espaillat has represented New York’s 13th district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Charles Rangel. He was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1954 and resides in Manhattan. Prior to his congressional service, he served in both chambers of the New York State Legislature from 1997 through 2016. He is an alumnus of Queens College, City University of New York.
