Forgotten Hometown Heroes
South Carolina’s 371st Infantry Regiment in WWI
Help us raise funding to build and place a monument to honor the brave African American men who fought and died for our freedom in France.
Act now to help us reach our goal in time to install the monument while we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 371st Infantry’s return to Columbia!
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and 100% of your tax-exempt donations will go towards funding the costs associated with building, preparing and placement of the monument on location at Centennial Park at historic Fort Jackson in South Carolina.
| Recent Donors | Gift Amout |
| Johnathan E. | $50 |
| Donald S. | $25 |
| John H. | $25 |
| Christine V. | $25 |
| Todd A. | $100 |
| Anne J. | $50 |
| Todd A. | $100 |
Who Were The 371st Infantry?
The 371st Infantry Regiment was a black U.S. Army regiment that fought in several battles in France during WWI and WWII. They were the only all-draftee regiment, and the only one composed of African Americans from southern states - including South Carolina. These men had received no military training prior to joining the U.S. Army.
As a result of the war, Orangeburg County, South Carolina alone lost over 130 soldiers who died from disease, wounds, and were killed while in action.
The 371st Infantry Regiment was officially formed on August 31, 1917 at Camp Jackson, (now Fort Jackson) South Carolina.
They were called heroes for their bravery and though some of them received individual rewards, - including the Distinguished Service Cross, Croix de Guerre, Legion of Honor, Médaille Militaire and a Congressional Medal of Honor – many of them fought and died equally in battle, never receiving their proper honor.
What Is The 371st Monument?
The existing monument to the 371st in Ardeuil, France is a truncated obelisk. It was erected by the 371st Regiment itself to their dead in the Champagne offensive.
We based our design for the new monument from the current one in France. The base would resemble the obelisk with the names of the 371st soldiers who died in battle. The top of the obelisk is flattened to accommodate the statue at the top. It is a trifold design of high relief of three soldier rather than one - one with the French equipment they wore in France, one with the U.S. equipment and one of a bugler (a signal man).
The 371st miniature monument from concept to creation, designed by Maria Kirby-Smith
How You Can Help
The preliminary estimated cost is $300,000 in order to prepare the site, build, and place the 371st monument at its permanent location.
We need your help.
The 371st Infantry was formed at Camp Jackson (now Fort Jackson) in 1917, and, later, demobilized and deactivated there in 1919. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Regiment be honored at Fort Jackson.
The approved location of the 371st Monument, Centennial Park at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
We are excited and grateful that the Gateway to the Army Association, who is planning, building and funding Centennial Park, has now approved the placement of the 371st Memorial Monument in Fort Jackson’s Centennial Park.
2019 marked 100 years since the remaining survivors from the 371st Infantry returned from France and were celebrated with a parade in Columbia, South Carolina.
Your donation today will directly help us install and place this monument in time to continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their return.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and 100% of your tax-exempt donations will go towards funding the costs associated with building, preparing and placement of the monument on location at Centennial Park at historic Fort Jackson in South Carolina.