Tribute Chronicles Harlem Hellfighter's Sacrifice In Images

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A touching tribute to a Mount Vernon hero killed in World War I was recognized by another Mount Vernon native who now holds Westchester County's highest office.

County Executive George Latimer was presented with a 58-page photo book chronicling the service and sacrifice of Corporal Morris D. Link of Mount Vernon.

Link was killed in action during World War I and served with the legendary 369th Infantry Harlem Hellfighters. He was one of 85 soldiers from Mount Vernon killed in World War I.

A centennial ceremony in Mount Vernon commemorating Link’s homecoming was held in October.

"Corporal Link and the Harlem Hellfighters gave selfless service to the community and country," Latimer said. "Their level of commitment should be honored and I am grateful to receive this beautifully crafted book that shares their story.

Latimer said the book will be put on display in the Michaelian Office Building.

The centennial memorial book was put together as a labor of love by Mount Vernon resident and former DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton.

"County Executive Latimer has been a pillar and a role model for the city of Mount Vernon as he grew in his career, he never forgot to look back," Horton said. "This particular memorial and recognition of Corporal Link is so germane to the Executive’s philosophy because what it does, it represents extraordinary moments in time.”

Horton also sent copies of the tribute book to President Joe Biden, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.