WASHINGTON (NEWS10) -- A ceremony was held on Wednesday to honor the men of the 369th Infantry Regiment known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The all-Black infantry gained recognition during World War I fighting under the French army after white American troops refused to serve alongside them.

They served 191 days in continuous combat, more than any other American unit. Albany native Sgt. Henry Johnson was one of the men in the unit.

Former Pres. Joe Biden signed a law in 2021 to posthumously award the men with the medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the nation's highest honors. Families of the famed Hellfighters were present during the ceremony to accept the tribute.

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