People/CharactersWilliam Hayward

1. William Hayward (April 29, 1877 – October 13, 1944) was an American lawyer and commander of the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I.

When America entered World War I, Hayward transferred himself into active duty in the National Guard as a colonel of Infantry. As there were regiments available for him, he recruited, trained, and uniformed the 15th New York Infantry, an all-black volunteer regiment. The regiment was later nicknamed the Harlem Hellfighters.

General Pershing had the regiment fight with the French. They fought at the front for 191 days, longer than any other American regiment, and participated in the Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne campaign.

Hayward was awarded the Croix de Guerre with gold palm and silver star and the Distinguished Service Medal, was commended by Marshal Foch and General Pershing, and was made an officer of the Legion of Honour thanks to the recommendation of General Petain. He was mustered out with the rest of the regiment.
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