African Americans Role in Early U.S. Military

How did African Americans contribute to the military early in United States history? There is no doubt that they played a vital role during the Civil War, when more than 180,000 African American soldiers served in the Union Army. Some blacks were recruited to serve by the Confederacy. It is estimated that more than 33,000 soldiers gave their lives during this war.

Although their strength, talent and skills were needed and sought after by the military, black soldiers were not allowed to fight along side their white comrades. Ultimately, in 1866 after an act of Congress, two black regiments were formed in the United States Army; the 9th and 10th cavalries. The members of the 9th and 10th cavalry units and the 24th and 25th infantry regiments (also all black) were known as “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Native Americans who had seen them on the plains. The Indians compared these soldiers’ dark skin, nappy heads of hair and their tenacious fighting spirit, and ability to live naturally off of the land when necessary with the buffalo. “The units formed as a result of the 1866 legislation were the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments; the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments. In the spring of 1869 the 38th and 41st Infantry Regiments were consolidated into the newly designated 24th Infantry Regiment, and the 39th and 40th Infantry Regiments were consolidated to form the 25th Infantry Regiment.” http://www.buffalosoldiersmc.net.

The 9th Calvary’s motto was, “We Can, We Will.” Col. Edward Hatch commanded this unit, and Col. Benjamin Grierson had command of the 10th Calvary. It was difficult for these two commanding officers to find white officers willing to work with the black soldiers. Remarkably, George Custer, who was a colonel at the time, refused to serve as an officer to the Buffalo Soldiers, and chose to take command of a lower ranking all-white unit instead.

Buffalo Soldiers accepted their title with pride and considered it a mark of distinction. Within the first year of the Buffalo Soldiers’ existence, the first units were sent out west to fight Indians, protect the settlers scattered across the frontier, herds of cattle, mail, building roads and installing telegraph lines, and protecting various railroad crews and their cargo. At one point, the Buffalo Soldiers were the only military force present in Texas, and restored peace in the Salt War. In 1878, the 9th Cavalry help to restore Fort Bliss (Texas) as a permanent military post. Throughout their years of service, the Buffalo Soldiers, in spite of continued prejudice, blatant discrimination and abuse, built a lasting bond of loyalty and devotion to their country and Army. A few of them actually lived to see the onset of World War I, and some even volunteered their services to the Army despite their advanced age. George W. Ford was 70 when he first volunteered for active duty in 1917. “From the time I was a little girl, I listened with relish to tales of the exploits of my great grandfather, Major George W. Ford, an original member of the 10th Cavalry, Unit L, also known as the famed Buffalo Soldiers. Official reports showed that the 10th regiment was poorly fed, poorly equipped and poorly sheltered, and received the harshest discipline. My great grandfather served his country under the worst conditions, often receiving cruel and unfair treatment because of his race. Yet, despite the difficult circumstances, Major George Ford showed fortitude and courage - characteristics that many of his compatriots held as they helped tame the Western frontier.” Linda Allen Bryant (granddaughter of George W. Ford, and descendant of Pres. George Washington).

Cathay Williams was born a slave in 1842. When the Civil War erupted, Ms. Williams was freed by Union Soldiers, but then went to work for them as a paid servant to Col. Benton in Little Rock, Arkansas. She also worked for Gen. Sheridan who recruited her to travel to Washington as a cook and to do laundry. While working for Sheridan, she was present during the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia. In her capacity as cook and laundress to the general, Cathay Williams also had the opportunity to travel to various places in the United States, including Iowa, St. Louis, New Orleans, Savannah, and Macon. In 1866, Ms. Williams, posing as a man, joined the army, reversed her name (to William Cathay), and enlisted in the 38th United States Infantry, Company A. Her duties consisted mostly of protecting miners and traveling immigrants from Apache Indian raids at Ft. Cummings in New Mexico. Although women were not allowed to serve in the military at the time, she carried on her masquerade, becoming the first (and only) known female Buffalo Soldier. At the time, a medical examination was not required to enlist, and only a close friend and relative knew her true identity. But, in 1868 she became ill, and an examination by the Post Surgeon revealed that she was in fact, a woman and she was ultimately discharged. Suffering from various health issues she believed were a result of her time in the Army, her claims for medical benefits have been disputed for years.

Before the Buffalo Soldiers, black troopers, in their futile quest for freedom, fought on both sides during the American Revolution. It was not unusual for free black soldiers to fight under “Stonewall” Jackson during the 1814 and 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Jordan Noble was a 14 year old black drummer who beat the long roll that summoned Jackson’s troops. In 1861, the Secretary of the Navy authorized enlistment of slaves as Union sailors. Some black men also served in the Confederate Navy.

President Harry Truman insisted that the Army be desegregated and called for equality within the United States Military, and the Buffalo Soldiers were officially disbanded in the 1950’s. In 1944, the United States Navy finally allowed black women to enlist. Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. (1922-2004) was the first African American to achieve Flag Rank in the Navy. And, the first African Americans to earn the title United States Marine trained at Montford Point Camp in New River, North Carolina from 1942-49, playing critical roles including the Battle of Iwo Jima.

In 1992, at Fort Leavenworth (Kansas), a bronze statue of 9th and 10th Cavalry troopers on horseback was unveiled. Buffalo Soldiers buried in Fort Bliss National Cemetery (Texas) were honored in a ceremony on July 27, 1992. The House of Representatives proclaimed July 28 as “Buffalo Soldier Day.” Sgt. Mark Matthews, the oldest living Buffalo Soldier (age 111), died of pneumonia in Washington, DC on Sept. 6, 2005.

References:

1. http://www.buffalosoldiersmc.net

2. The Buffalo Soldiers (an essay by Linda Allen Bryant), www.westfordlegacy.com

3. www.legendsofamerica.com

4. http://www.desertusa.com

5. http://www.pabsmc.org (History of the 9th and 10th)