This flag is interesting so I included it, as it is hardly ever mentioned. It illustrates the throughlines of related symbolism and encouragement I have discovered through the years. The red, white, and red is a traditional symbol that denotes General or Commander in the French Army.

1918 Victory With The Red Hand : African American soldiers in the battle
Red Hand Division

The Red Hand Division

In May 1918 , General Goybet was called by Headquarters to command the 157th division that had been decimated after the “Chemin des Dames.” It was reconstituted by putting together the 333rd infantry regiment (French) with the 371st and the 372nd American Regiments- the 372nd , being one of the oldest black battalions in the country , dating back to the civil war. The nuclear part of the 372nd was the National Guard Unit who had defended the Capitol Building and Washington, D.C. Those troops were chosen because they were considered to be extremely loyal.

General Goybet, commanding the 157th Division of infantry took special notice of the fact this was the first 4th of July to be celebrated by his Franco-American Division.

It is striking demonstration of the long standing and blood-cemented friendship which binds together our two great nations . The sons of the soldiers of Lafayette greet the sons of the soldiers of George Washington who have come over to fight as in 1776 , in a new and greater way of independence . The same success which followed the glorious fights for the cause of liberty is sure to crown our common effort now and bring about the final victory of right and justice over Barbarity and oppression

General Goybet commanding the 157th Division

The 157th Division participated with the fourth Army to the general offensive at Champagne . With violent attacks General Goybet broke the enemy front at Monthois. He took many prisoners and considerable materiel . After that he occupied the Vosges at the front of Sainte Marie les Mines .

October 8, 1918

General Order No. 234

I am proud to forward you herewith the thanks and congratulations of General Garnier-Duplessix and I want at the same time, dear friends of all ranks Americans and French, to tell you as your leader and as soldier, from the bottom of my heart how grateful, I am to you all for the glory you have acquired for our splendid 157th Division. In these nine hard days of battle you have pushed ahead for eight kilometers , fought powerful enemy organization , captured close to 600 prisoners , taken 15 guns light and heavy , 20 infantry Mortars and artillery ammunition and brought down by rifle 3 aeroplanes . The red hand of this division is now in truth a blood- reeking hand . I grappled the Boche at the throat and made him yell for mercy. Our glorious comrades who died are well avenged.

General Goybet commanding the 157 Th Division

The bravery of the African American soldiers makes no doubt and has been recognized even it's sometimes a long way .One of the best exemple is The African American soldier Freddie Stowers from the 371st R.I. posthumously received the Medal of Honor for exceptional Heroism in World War One . His two surviving sisters Georgina and Mary received the medal at the white house in 1991 From President Georges H.W.Bush.

Source : Mariano & Henri Goybet, Richard Ford, Chester D. Heywood, Freddie Stowers Wikipedia