July 28 is National Buffalo Soldier Day. July 28 was chosen because on that day in 1866, Congress passed the Army Organization Act. Four black (colored was the term used at the time) regiments – the 9th and 10th Cavalries and the 24th and 25th Infantries. Although all the soldiers were black, all the officers were white. They are most famous for serving on the Great Plains during the Indian Wars. They fought hostile Indians, built roads, escorted the mail, and protected settlers. They got their famous nickname from the Native Americans. It’s unclear why the Indians called them that but it may have been that their hair looked like buffalo hides and/or it was a sign of respect because they considered the buffalo to be sacred and powerful. Although they faced racist treatment, sometimes by their own officers. In spite of that, they had lower desertion and court martial rates than white units. 23 Buffalo Soldiers were awarded Medals of Honor. They participated in the Spanish-American War with the 10th Cavalry fighting alongside the Rough Riders in the Battle of San Juan Hill. One of their officers was John Pershing who later commanded the army in WWI. He acquired the nickname Black Jack from his service with the Buffalo Soldiers. 5 Medals of Honor were awarded for bravery in Cuba. From 1899-1903 they participated in the putting down of the Filipino Rebellion. They went with Pershing to chase Pancho Villa in 1916. That was the last action as the units stayed home for WWI. In July, 1992, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell dedicated the National Buffalo Soldier Monument at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
https://www.army.mil/article/248832/honoring_national_buffalo_soldiers_day
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/buffalo-soldiers-day-july-28/
https://nationaltoday.com/buffalo-soldiers-day/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_Soldier
0 Comments