Who are the Buffalo Soldiers?
African Americans has fought in military conflicts since colonial days. Once the Westward movement had begun, prominent among those blazing treacherous trails of the wild west were the Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. Army.
These African Americans were charged with and responsible for escorting settlers, protecting farmers cattle and escorting U.S. Mail. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiment also conducted campaigns on the western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest. Many Indians believed the name symbolized the Native Americans respect for the Buffalo Soldiers bravery, fight skills and valor.
Buffalo Soldiers fought in many other military campaigns: The Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection, Mexican Expedition, World War 1, World War II, and the Korean Police Action.
Heroes of the West
At least 18 Medal of Honor’s were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western campaigns and 23 African Americans received the nations highest military award during the civil war. Shortly after the civil war, Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Infantry Regiments.
