NY Army Guard Col. Bryon Linnehan, a New Providence resident, takes command of the Harlem Hellfighters
24-year Army veteran now leads the New York Army National Guard's 369th Sustainment Brigade
New York (04/30/2025) — New York Army National Guard Col. Bryon Linnehan, a New Providence resident, assumed command of the historic 369th Sustainment Brigade, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," during an April 27 ceremony at the unit headquarters armory in New York City.
The unit earned sits nickname during World War I when the 369th Infantry Regiment, an all-Black unit at the time, earned more medals than any other U.S. Army unit.
Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith, the commander of the 53rd Troop Command, praised Linnehan as an accomplished leader.
Linnehan has honed his skills as a leader while serving in the 369th Sustainment Brigade, and as the commander of the 42nd Infantry Division's Headquarters Battalion, Smith said.
"Your experience leading Soldiers is evident," Smith said. "I have full confidence in your ability."
In his remarks, Linnehan thanked his wife, Kristy, and their sons Connor and Rex, for their support.
He also praised the Soldiers of the brigade.
"I'm humbled to be able to return to Harlem to serve alongside you all. You continue to distinguish yourselves, whether it be on deployment or here at home," Linnehan said.
An Army sustainment brigade headquarters is organized so it can assume control of a number of logistics and support elements.
The 369th Sustainment Brigade would provide combat support and combat service support for the New York National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division in combat.
The 369th Infantry was originally the 15th Regiment of the New York National Guard when it organized in 1916 as an African-American infantry unit headquartered in Harlem.
During World War I, the regiment fought with the French Army, because of the Army's segregation policies at the time. The 369th earned the nickname Hellfighters from the German troops they fought against for 191 days, and the regiment's Soldiers earned 171 heroism awards.
Linnehan was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in May 2001. He earned his commission through ROTC at Johns Hopkins University where he majored in political science.
He initially served in the active Army and was stationed in Korea and deployed to Baghdad with the 1st Cavalry Division.
He is also qualified in Military Intelligence and Logistics career fields.
Since joining the New York Army National Guard, he served in a number of positions in the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Fighting 69th" and in the 369th Sustainment Brigade and 42nd Infantry Division. He served as the full time operations officer for the 369th, while also serving as the project officer for the FEMA Region II Homeland Response Force.
He has deployed to Iraq twice and deployed to Kuwait with the 369th.
Linnehan is a graduate of a number of military schools including the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korea Defense Service Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal and the NY Military Commendation Medal. He has also been awarded the German Military Proficiency Badge (Gold), Combat Action Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, Valorous Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith, commanding general of the 53rd Troop Command, passes the colors of the 369th Sustainment brigade to Col. Bryon Linnehan, a New Providence resident, during the brigade change of command ceremony at the Harlem Armory in New York, on April 27, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)
New York National Guard
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