Texas Peace Officer Association- TPOA - Austin Chapter

Let me introduce you to Sgt. Mal Wiley, the oldest surviving member of the 12 African-American police officers that served the City of Austin during 1965.

A time where the department followed suit with the nation and segregated its force.

Despite the many hardships that a black police officer would encounter during this time, Sgt. Wiley still sought justice and served the community to the best of his ability attaining the rank of Sergeant before ending his watch.

Long since retired, we would like to say thank you for paving the way for the future.

Today we remember the heroics of the 369th Infantry Regiment, better own as the “Harlem Hellfighters”. Mainly consisting of African Americans, they were widely recognized as being the first African American regiment to serve and fight in World War 1.

Holding the honor of being the only regiment to have served 191 days of continuous combat in World War 1, longer than any other American unit in this conflict, members of this group would go on to win 171 Croix De Guerres from France, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2025, several Distinguished Crosses and the Medal of Honor posthumously to Sgt Henry Johnson.

Sgt H. Johnson is the most notable figure from this fighting group when he and Pvt Needham Roberts engaged in a fight against a night time German patrol. Outnumbered & out gunned, Johnson and Roberts fought brutally against the enemy, eventually repelling the Germans and effectively holding the line despite the wounds earned. Johnson was praised for continuing to fight alone after Roberts became incapacitated from a gr***de.

These Giants among Men stepped up when needed and stood tall when the enemy gave their worst.



❤️