World War I Combat Helmet

1918

The 92nd and 93rd Infantry were the only African American combat divisions that fought in World War I.

The 93rd Infantry Division fought under French command during World War I. In tribute, they adopted insignia featuring the blue Adrian helmets worn by their French counterparts. Although the men of the 93rd were decorated by both the French and American military, none were awarded the Medal of Honor during the war.  

In 1991, more than 70 years after World War I, Cpl. Freddie Stowers became the first African American to receive the Medal of Honor for World War I service, followed by Pvt. Henry Johnson in 2015. Stowers and Johnson are the only African American service members to have received the Medal of Honor for World War I service.