History      

                  Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th Calvary

Over 180,000 African Americans served in the Union Army

during the Civil War, of these, more than 33,000 died. After

the war, the future of African-Americans in the U.S. Army

was in doubt. In July 1866, Congress passed legislation

etablishing two Calvary and four Infantry Regiments (later

consolidated to two) whose enlisted composition was to be

made up of African Americans. The majority of the new

recruits had served in all black units during the Civil War.

The 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments was activated on

September 21,1866. The 9th Calvary Regiment at Greenville,

Louisania was under the command of Colonel Edward Hatch,

and the 10th Calvary Regiment at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

was under the command of Colonel Benjamin Grierson.

The name Buffalo Soldier was given to black soldiers by the

Cheyanne and Comanche Indians. The soldiers accepted

the title and wore it proudly, like a badge of courage. To be

compared to the fighting spirit of the Indian's most sacred

buffalo was a measure of great respect.

The Buffalo Soldiers service in subduing Mexican

Revolutionaries, hostile Native Americans, Outlaws,

Comancheros, and Rustlers was as invaluable as it was

unrecognized. It was also accomplished over some of the

most rugged and inhospitable country in North America. A

list of their adversaries includes, Geronimo, Nana, Sitting

Bull, Victorio, Lone Wolf, Billy the kid, Pancho Villa. It

reads like a " Who's Who" of the American West.

Lesser known, but equally important, the Buffalo Soldiers

explored and mapped vast areas of the southwest and strung

up hundreds of miles of telegraph lines. In addition, they built

and repaired frontier outposts around which future towns and

cities sprang to life. Without the protection provided by the 9th

and 10th Calvaries, the crews building the ever-expanding

railroads were at the mercy of Outlaws and hostile Indians.

The Buffalo Soldiers faced fierce prejudice to both the

colors of their uniform and skin by many of the citizens of

post-war frontier towns. Despite, insurmountable odds,

the Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Calvary, developed into two

of the most bravest and distinguished fighting units in the Army.

Moving on in time, elements of the 9th and 10th regiments

went on to fight in Cuba, and took part in the expedition

against Pancho Villa, with General Pershing. The two regiments

were formed into the 4th Calvary Brigade in 1941, commanded

by an African American, General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr,

at Camp Funston, Kansas. The horse Calvary regiments was

disbanded in 1944, and thus bringing to a close, the long and proud

history of The Buffalo Soldier.

The Congressional Medal of Honor was bestowed on 12

Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th Calvary and 8 from the 10th

Calvary. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in

action against an enemy force, which is bestowed upon an

individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States

of America. Generally presented to its recipients, by the

President of the United States of America in the name of

Congress. It is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Buffalo Soldiers, 1866 to 1944, a proud and

distinguished service to the United States of America.

Forgotten Heroes no Longer, as their mottos stated “ We can,

We Will”, and “Ready and Forward”.

We must not forget the heroes of our past that helped tame

the western frontier. We the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle

Club ride with pride and respect with their name on our backs

and their history in our hearts.