The full caption for this item is as follows: [African American] Jazz Band and Leader Back with [African American] 15th New York. Lieutenant James Reese Europe who for four years [was] New York Society’s favorite orchestra (dance) leader formerly with Vernon Castle returned with his regiment the 369th Infantry.
The 369th Infantry Regiment, more famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was an infantry regiment during World War I. The regiment is well known for its participation in several key battles including Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry and Meuse-Argonne. By the end of the 369th Infantry’s campaign, they suffered 1,500 casualties, the highest of any U.S. regiment. They also spent 191 days in front-line trenches, longer than any unit of their size. Upon the regiment’s arrival in the United States, they were celebrated with a parade in New York City.
