15th New York National Guard Enlistment Records

New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center

Enlistment Card for Arthur McDonald, 15th NY National Guard in 1929 - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

8257

Dates of Original:

c. 1900 - 1950

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Historical Context

The 15th New York National Guard, also known as the 369th Regiment, was the first African-American regiment of World War I and were part of both World Wars. The Regiment was also nicknamed the “Harlem Hellfighters” and aided in changing the American view on future African-American military members.

Scope of Collection

This collection contains images of identification cards during World War I and World War II eras. These cards were made when men enlisted into the 15th New York National Guard, the African-American Regiment raised out of New York City.
These approximately 11,000 cards range in date from just after World War One (where the unit served under the French as the 369th Infantry Regiment) to 1949 when the military was integrated under President Truman. Each card captures information such as name, address, rank, occupation, age, height, and place of birth.