Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Congressman representing New York’s 13th district since 2017, announced on social media that he and other Congressional leaders have honored the Harlem Hellfighters with the Congressional Gold Medal.
On September 3, 2025, Espaillat posted: “Sintonice mientras yo, junto con otros lÃderes del Congreso, honramos a los Harlem Hellfighters con la Medalla de Oro del Congreso.” Later that evening and into the next day, he continued to share updates about the recognition of the 369th Infantry Regiment. On September 4, 2025, he wrote: “Today, I was proud to lead efforts to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Their valor and dedicated service to our nation will always be remembered.”
In another post on September 4, Espaillat thanked those from his district who attended the ceremony in Washington: “Thank you to each of the constituents from Harlem who joined me in Washington today to witness the historic moment that many families and community members have been waiting nearly a century for. Recognizing the selfless service of the Harlem Hellfighters with the Congressional”
The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American regiment in World War I recognized for their bravery and significant contributions despite facing discrimination at home and abroad. The awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal is one of Congress’s highest civilian honors.
Espaillat has represented New York’s 13th District since succeeding Charles Rangel in 2017. Before serving in Congress, he was a member of both the New York State Assembly and Senate. Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic in 1954 and now residing in Manhattan, Espaillat graduated from Queens College in 1978.
