The 370th Infantry Regiment was one of the great Black fighting units of World War One, known as the “Black Devils.” It grew out of the 8th Illinois Infantry Regiment, an all-Black Illinois National Guard unit with deep roots in Chicago and Springfield. In World War One, the 370th served as part of the 93rd Division and fought under French command because the segregated U.S. Army often refused to place Black combat troops beside white American units. The National Archives notes that the 370th was assigned to the French Army and was the only unit commanded by Black officers. (National Archives)
The 370th Infantry Regiment , The Black Devils
The 370th Infantry Regiment entered World War One carrying two battles at once: the fight against Germany overseas, and the fight against racism within the army they served.
These men were Black soldiers from Illinois, many from Chicago and Springfield. They came from a nation that questioned their courage, limited their rights, and tried to keep them out of leadership. But they stepped forward anyway.
Unlike many Black units that were pushed into labor roles, the 370th fought in combat. They served alongside French forces, wore French equipment, and earned respect on the battlefield. Their courage became so fierce that German soldiers gave them the name “Black Devils.” The Pritzker Military Museum notes that the nickname came from the enemy because of the regiment’s tenacity and fearless pursuit. (Pritzker Military Museum & Library)
What made the 370th even more historic was its leadership. It was known as the only Black combat unit in World War One commanded by Black officers. That mattered because America often claimed Black men could fight, but not lead. The 370th proved both ideas wrong.
They fought in campaigns including Lorraine and Oise-Aisne, endured shelling and poison gas, and stood under fire with discipline and pride. Local history sources note that the regiment faced hard fighting near Verdun in September 1918. (McLean County Museum of History)
Their record was honored abroad. Soldiers of the 370th received American and French decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Croix de Guerre. Recent Illinois reporting notes that soldiers of the regiment received 21 Distinguished Service Crosses and 68 Croix de Guerre awards for their wartime actions. (NPR Illinois)
But when they came home, America did what it often did to Black soldiers. It celebrated them briefly, then pushed their story to the margins. They had fought for democracy overseas while being denied full democracy at home.
The betrayal was clear.
They fought in uniform, but returned to segregation.
They proved leadership, but faced discrimination.
They earned medals, but were left out of the main story.
They defended freedom, but had to keep fighting for their own.
The 370th Infantry Regiment was not a footnote.
They were combat soldiers.
They were Black officers and enlisted men.
They were decorated warriors.
They were the Black Devils.
The 370th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Black Devils,” was a Black World War One combat regiment from Illinois. Serving with French forces, they fought with distinction, earned American and French decorations, and became known for courage, discipline, and Black military leadership in a segregated army.
370th Infantry Regiment
The Black Devils • World War One • 93rd Division
Black Officers • Combat Courage • Forgotten American Heroes