Shelbyville in Shelby County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Harlem Hellfighters

Bert Beckham • Ionia Harris • Bradley Logan • Leonard Todd • Robert Wooten

— Kentucky Black Trailblazers —

Harlem Hellfighters Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025

1. Harlem Hellfighters Marker

Inscription. Uncover the valorous heritage of the Harlem Helfighters, the distinguished 369th Infantry Regiment comprising Black soldiers. Deployed to the French Army in WWI, they confronted racial discrimination and courageously battled, garnering recognition and esteemed accolades. Pay homage to their sacrifices by visiting Calvary Cemetery, where five brave Harlem Hellfighters rest.

Erected 2024.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • War, World I.

Location. 38° 13.026′ N, 85° 13.215′ W. Marker is in Shelbyville, Kentucky, in Shelby County. It can be reached from 7th Street (State Road 2268) south of Kavenaugh Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is as in the cemetery approximately .1 miles from the entrance on 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 7th St, Shelbyville KY 40065, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Louisville Area.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

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Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tevis Cottage (approx. 0.4 miles away); Science Hill School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lafayette's Tour (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lynching in Shelbyville (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lynching in America / Lynching of Sam Pulliam (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reconstruction in America / Lynching of Reuben Dennis (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Armstrong Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Centenary Methodist Church (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelbyville.

Also see . . .
1. Harlem Hellfighters. Click on the link and follow the instructions to see the Harlem Hellfighters in "Augmented Reality" (Submitted on March 30, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

2. Harlem Hellfighters a remarkable African American combat unit during World War I.

The Harlem Hellfighters
Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025

2. Harlem Hellfighters Marker at Calvary Cemetery
were a remarkable African American combat unit during World War I, officially known as the 369th Infantry Regiment. They broke the mold by serving 191 days on the frontline – more than any other American unit – despite the racial segregation that permeated the US Army at the time. Among their ranks were brave men from various backgrounds, including Kentuckians who fought with valor: Pvt. Bradley Logan, Pvt. Leonard Todd, Pvt. Robert Wooten, Pvt. Bert Beckham, and Pvt. Ionia Harris, all of Shelbyville. Assigned to the French Army’s 16th Division, these soldiers, alongside their fellow Hellfighters, faced the brutality of war in Europe and racism from their own nation’s army. Nevertheless, they excelled in combat, earning a reputation for their ferocity and tenacity, which led to the German troops calling them “Hellfighters.”

(Submitted on March 30, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Rear view of Harlem Hellfighters Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025

3. Rear view of Harlem Hellfighters Marker

Looking along the cemetery driveway towards 7th Street

Calvary Cemetery sign at the entrance. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, March 28, 2025

4. Calvary Cemetery sign at the entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 30, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.