BUFFALO SOLDIERS…

BUFFALO SOLDIERS…BUFFALO SOLDIERS…

THE LEGENDTHE LEGEND

Created & Presented By:

Alice Brown – Webmaster (www.bsmcbhamal.org)

Buffalo Soldiers of Alabama, Birmingham Chapter

Terizian Tolbert, President

Created & Presented By:

Alice Brown – Webmaster (www.bsmcbhamal.org)

Buffalo Soldiers of Alabama, Birmingham Chapter

Terizian Tolbert, President

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS AND TROOPERS M/CNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BUFFALO SOLDIERS AND TROOPERS M/C

The saga of the Legendary Buffalo Soldiers began over a century ago - 140 years ago to be exact.

Let’s go back…


The year 1450 brought a multitude of changes to the continent of North America. Native Americans encountered European explorers who would soon transform and largely destroy their world.

The Beginning…

These same explorers began a trans Atlantic slave trade that would not only bring millions of African slaves to North America, but in time lead to a new social and economic structure where the color of one’s skin determined whether one might be free or live as a slave for life.


In every major war, throughout the history of the United States, from the American Revolution through the Indian Wars, Native-Americans and African-Americans fought with and against each other. This scenario prevailed throughout the Civil War. Some tribes fought for the South, such as the Cherokees, while others assisted the North like the Seminoles.

Continued…


For the Blacks in bondage, brought over on slave vessels hundreds of years before, the time for freedom had arrived.


When northern troops arrived in the south, thousands of slaves ran away or were emancipated to join in the fight…their fight…for freedom.


When the time came, many African Americans took a long hard look at military service which offered:

• shelter

• education

• steady pay

• medical attention

• and a pension


When the Civil War ended in 1865, 186,000 former slaves and freedmen had served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT),10% of the total Union strength. Another 30,000 served in the navy and 200,000 more served as workers on labor, hospital engineering, and other military support projects: taps sounded over the bodies of 38,000. Though they had not lived free, they died free…


In 1866, one year after the end of the Civil War and more than six months after the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was enacted, Congress had the need to reorganize the peacetime regular army. Recognizing the military merits of black soldiers, four black infantry regiments and two segregated regiments of black cavalry, were authorized, composed of former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War soldiers, The latter, designated as the Ninth and the Tenth United States Cavalry, were destined to become the most decorated of all U.S. Military Regiments .

Thus began the Legend of the Buffalo Soldiers, the first African Americans to serve during peacetime.


How The Buffalo Soldiers Got Their Name

The nickname Buffalo Soldiers began with the Cheyenne warriors in 1867. The black soldiers were ferocious and courageous in battle, even when outnumbered. Out of respect, the Cheyenne referred to these hard-fighting black men in blue as "Buffalo Soldiers" - reportedly because their hair resembled that of the revered bison. To the Plains Indians, the buffalo was a symbol of strength and courage - characteristics easily identified with the black troops of the West.

Because the Buffalo was a sacred animal to the Indians, the Cavalrymen accepted the title with great pride. Proudly adopted, the name became a highly respected American legacy.


The Buffalo Soldiers Fought with Distinction…

• In the Cheyenne War from 1867 to 1869.

• In the Red River War of 1874-1875

• In the Ute War of 1879

• In the Apache Wars from 1875 through 1886

• And in the Sioux War of 1890-1891


No less than thirteen Congressional Medals of Honor were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western Campaign.


In the end, 23 black soldiers of the Ninth and Tenth Companies won the Medal of Honor, the highest award this country gives for the most outstanding performance under enemy fire.


The Bravest of the Brave…9th Cavalry Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients:

• Sergeant Thomas Boyne• Second Lieutenant, George R. Burnett• Second Lieutenant Matthias W. Day • Sergeant John Denny• Second Lieutenant Robert Temple Emmet • Captain Francis S. Dodge• Corporal Clinton Greaves,• Sergeant Henry Johnson • Sergeant George Jordan • Sergeant Thomas Shaw • Sergeant Emanuel Stance • Private Augustus Walley • 1st Sergeant Moses Williams • Corporal William O. Wilson • Sergeant Brent Wood

We Can, We Will

9th US Cavalry


The Bravest of the Brave…10th Cavalry Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients:

• Captain Louis H. Carpenter • Sergeant Major Edward L. Baker • Second Lieutenant Powhattan H. Clarke • Private Dennis Bell • Private Fitz Lee • Sergeant William McBryar • Sergeant William Tompkins • Private George H. Wanton

Ready and Forward

10th US Cavalry


The Services of the Buffalo Soldiers was not limited to fighting Indians in the early years. They…

• Explored and yielded maps of uncharted wilderness which paved the way for on-coming pioneer settlers

• Assisted civil authorities in controlling mobs

• Pursued outlaws, cattle thieves, and even Mexican revolutionaries along the border

• Built or renovated dozens of posts and camps

• Constructed thousands of miles of roads and telegraph lines, and patrols


The Buffalo Soldiers…

• Protected work crews building the transcontinental railroad

• Served as the first US Border Patrol

• Rode ‘shotgun’ on stagecoaches• Protected the giant redwoods of

California before the establishment of the US Forest Service


And, The Buffalo Soldiers…

• Protected settlers

• Rode ‘shotgun’ on stagecoaches

• Escorted wagon trains

• Delivered mail longer than the Pony Express


The valor and exemplary service of the Buffalo Soldiers did not end on the Western Frontier.

• The 9th and 10th went on to serve with Teddy Roosevelt and the “Rough Riders" as they stormed up San Juan Hill.

• They not only were with him, but played an important role in the battle.

• Official and unofficial reports of this battle are recorded in Record Group 391, US Regular army Mobile Units, 1821-1942.



• Fought and died in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean Conflict


And…

• 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers served with distinction under officer "Black Jack" Pershing.

• The rest is history…


In reports from their white officers, the words ‘bravery,’ ‘discipline,’ ‘fearlessness,’ and ‘endurance’ were consistently present. The Buffalo Soldiers rode, fought, and conducted themselves in the highest tradition of military service.

Their record is one in which all Americans can take pride.


Despite this record of achievement, the Buffalo Soldiers faced constant prejudice and discrimination. Much of the recognition for their efforts was robbed by jealous leaders. Often simple justice could not be found. Such detriments may have destroyed the morale of many other military units, but they failed to do so with the proud ninth and tenth.


Of all American soldiers, they had the hardest fight. There was not only the enemy to defeat, but the hearts and minds of their fellow soldiers to be won. The Buffalo Soldiers had the lowest desertion rate in the Army. They were:

• Recipients of hand-me-down uniforms, equipment and weapons

• Given broken-down horses• Beneficiaries of poor diets• Subjected to the harshest

punishment• Under the jurisdiction of racist

officers• Posted in the worst part of the

country in hostile environments


Finally, the All-Black, and ever-proud 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments were integrated.

The Year was 1952...eighty-six years after being commissioned. The end of an era. The end of an important saga of American History.


Buffalo Soldiers from every state in the Union served bravely and with honors. They received many honors, including;

• Twenty-three Congressional Medals of Honor

• Thirteen Campaign Citations in the Western Wars

• Campaign Citations for the Spanish-American War, the

• Philippine Insurrection, the• Mexican Expedition; and• The French Campaign• World War I Citations

• Five Unit Citations from World War II

• Ten Unit Citations from the Korean Conflict;

• Three Presidential Unit Citations

• A Navy Unit Commendation

• A Philippine Presidential Citation and

• Two Republic of Korea Presidential Citations.


The Buffalo Soldiers have been honored for their bravery and service, more than any other American Military Unit. Yet, in spite of their great sacrifices and outstanding performance, the Buffalo Soldiers were not fully recognized or appreciated by their country until 1992.


On July 25, 1992, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on the exact site where the Buffalo Soldiers lived and died, a magnificent homage to their spirit and legacy was erected: a bronze statue commissioned by General Colin Powell, a great tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers!

Lest We Forget…


The monument was constructed to honor, for all time, the heroic contribution made by these Black American Heroes, and paid for totally from private and corporate funds in a fundraising effort spearhead by Commander Carlton Philpot, U. S. Navy Retired, guest speaker at the historical event.

Buffalo Soldiers Memorial, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas


Theirs was a great Legacy of Leadership and Excellence.



Generations of Buffalo Soldiers


The Legendary Buffalo Soldiers, 9th Cavalry


Late 1800's photograph of members of the 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers). Augustus Walley (top row, 2nd from right, with the bandana around his neck), a former slave from Bond Avenue in Reisterstown, MD, won the Congressional Medal of Honor.


Congressional Medal of Honor Awardee, Augustus Walley


A member of the Ninth U. S. Cavalry band,

about 1890.


Saturday inspection, Troop I, Tenth Cavalry,

Fort Robinson, about 1904


The 10th Cavalry, stationed at Fort Custer, Montana, pose for lunch


A staged charge by the 10th Cavalry. The Cavalry usually left their sabers in their barracks. The swords rattled created noise that could give away a troopers’ position.


A 10th Cavalry Color Guard, probably photographed in 1917 or 1918


The men of "A" Company 10th Cavalry at their barracks at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The year is 1928.


The 9th Cavalry, "K" Company in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. This photograph was taken during the winter of 1890-91. Note the heavier coats (many Buffalo hide), and hats. Two men pictured here are Medal of Honor Winners- George Jordan, seated, and Henry Johnson, standing in rear.


This is the 9th Cavalry assembled as part of a unit portrait - made probably in the late 1880's.


The 9th Cavalry F troop around the turn of the Century. This picture was made in either Florida or Georgia and may be of maneuvers just before the Spanish American War fought in Cuba.


A 10th Cavalry soldier in general issue buffalo-hide coat for winter duty. Photo was taken in the late 1870s.


The 10th Cavalry in dress blue uniforms passes in review. This picture was taken in 1938 at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.


Buffalo Soldiers mount their horses around the turn of the Century. This photo was taken in Florida or Georgia as troopers prepared for battle in Cuban during the Spanish American War of 1898.


These Buffalo Soldiers display their riding prowess with a drill known as "Roman Riding." The 9th and 10th Cavalry worked hard at equestrian demonstrations and were favorites of reviews at most posts where they performed.


The Legend from West Point


Born into slavery, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from West Point

• In 1873, James Freeman, a newly-elected Georgia Congressman, recommended Flipper’s appointment after he proved himself to be ‘worthy and qualified.’

• He was the 5th African American excepted to attend the Academy – he was 17 years old at the time.

• Treated with extreme prejudice as a cadet, Flipper excelled in engineering, law, French and Spanish.

• Flipper described his successful struggle against ostracism and prejudice in The Colored Cadet at West Point (1878).


His assignment to the 10th Cavalry in 1877 was the realization of a dream.

• Flipper’s military career was cut short when he was impartially accused of embezzlement and falsifying records.

• In a trial shrouded in prejudice, he was found guilty of lying and sentenced to dismissal from the US Army.


A divided court-martial acquitted Flipper of charges of embezzle-ment but pronounced him guilty of "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman."

Lt. Flipper’s court-martial was held at the chapel at Fort Davis, pictured.

A short statement penned by President Chester upheld the sentence of the court, despite prejudice surrounding the trial.


Henry Ossian Flipper…

• Flipper’s discharge signaled the end of one of the most envied of military careers

• After his dismissal, he went on to gain recognition and respect as a surveyor and opened his own engineering firm

• During the years following his dismissal, Flipper maintained his innocence and sought to clear his name and restore his rank 8 times… unsuccessfully


Henry Ossian Flipper… American Hero

• In 1976, the US Army deemed the sentence handed down was too severe for the charge, and posthumously awarded Flipper an honorable discharge.

• 23 years later, on February 19, 1999, 117 years after being charged with “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman” and 59 years after his death, he was pardoned posthumously by President Bill Clinton

• His story not only represents a milestone in African American history, but in the history of America as well


Other Buffalo Soldiers who graduated from West Point include:

• John Hanks Alexander

• Charles Young


Other Buffalo Soldiers who graduated from West Point:• John Hanks Alexander,

almost unnoticed in Army history, was the son of former slaves

• Hanks was the second black to become an officer in the regular Army

• Charles Young became the third black regular Army line officer in 1889. An outstanding officer, he eventually would reach the grade of Colonel.

• In 1896, he set a new precedent by transferring to the 7th Cavalry, a white regiment, where he remained on the rolls for one year.


Cadet Charles Young

Female Buffalo Soldier


The Female Buffalo Soldier, Cathay Williams aka William Cathy:

• Was born into slavery in Independence, Missouri in 1842.

• Enlisted in the army in 1866• Served until 1868, when she

became ill, was examined and found to be a woman.

• After leaving the army as a soldier, she worked as a cook for an officer at Fort Union.


Female Buffalo Soldier, Cathay Williams aka William Cathy

Cathay Williams was assured a place in history as the only documented female Buffalo Soldier, and as the only documented African-American woman who served in the U.S. army prior to the 1948 law, which officially allowed women to join the army.


The Last of the Legends


Original Buffalo Soldier…gone but not forgotten

Mark Matthews, August 7, 1894 – September 6, 2005

• 1st Sergeant Mark Mathews was the oldest surviving Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army until last year

• One of 1st Sgt. Mark Matthews's duties was assisting the 1916 search for Pancho Villa in Mexico

• He was 111 when he died


1st Sergeant Mark Mathews, former Buffalo Soldier, poses in his old Cavalry Uniform

"I did it all," Sgt. Matthews told The Washington Post a few years ago. "Yes, I was there."


1st Sergeant Mark Mathews…

Matthews joined the Buffalo Soldiers when he was fifteen years old. "I had to wait awhile before I could get on duty. But then they shipped me to the West."


1st Sergeant Mark Mathews…

Still…the Legend Lives on… the Last of the Original Buffalo Soldiers

• Dr. William H. Waddell, at 97, is the last and oldest living member of the Buffalo Soldiers now that First Sergeant Mark Mathews is deceased

• Dr. Waddell served in both the 9th and 10th Cavalry Divisions in the Italian Campaign during World War II


The Last of the Original Buffalo Soldiers

Dr. Waddell


• While overseeing the care of 10,000 horses as well as many mules, Dr. Waddell’s mule was shot, in 1944, by German forces. The impact knocked Dr. Waddell off his mount and the enemy continued shooting at him, causing him to suffer a wound to his neck.

• He spent 90 days in a field hospital in North Africa before returning to active duty with his troops.

• A pioneer, Dr. Waddell was the first faculty member at Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine (1945-1948)

• In 2003, he received the honorary Order of St. Martin when honored at Tuskegee

• Today, Dr. Waddell, veterinarian, entrepreneur, leader, husband, father, researcher, student, and resident of Kaa’awa on the eastern shore of Oahu, Hawaii


“At a recent event, Waddell says, "I bring you greetings from the Buffalo Soldier way of thinking. I represent the Buffalo Soldiers of this world - those who died for this country, those who fought overseas.”

• A 1931 Lincoln University graduate, Waddell was one of three honorary degree recipients at the University’s 145th Commencement ceremonies on May 2, 2004


Member of heralded Buffalo Soldiers continues to be honored…

Keeping the Legend Alive…Buffalo Soldiers of the 21st

Century


The Buffalo Soldiers Today…

• Today the 10th Cavalry, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, is considered among the most highly mobile unit in the US Army.


The Buffalo Soldiers Today…

• For most of its existence, the Buffalo Soldiers were black soldiers commanded by white officers

• Today, the integrated unit is led by Lt. Colonel Reginald Allen, the first African American to command the Buffalo Soldiers in combat

“We go where we’re told and we win when we fight,” says Allen.

“We Can…We Will - Ready and Forward”


The Buffalo Soldiers Today Serve Proudly in Iraq…

• Allen’s first mission was securing the porous Iran/Iraq border and keeping foreign fighters and Iranian influence out of Iraq

• While other forces have settled into Saddam Hussein's palaces, the Buffalo Soldiers have moved some 16 times within Iraq since the U.S.-led coalition invasion of that country.


The Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers… The Club


The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Clubs

• In 1993, the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club was founded in Chicago by Ken ‘Dream Maker’ Thomas to socialize men and women who shared similar ideals and the common bond of motorcycling.

• The name was chosen to uphold and perpetuate the heroic legend of the original Buffalo Soldiers and the legacy of excellence of the African American soldiers who followed

Visionary, perpetuator, pioneer originator, trail-blazer, leader,

trend-setter, paradigm, vanguard, originator, precursor…

DREAM MAKER



• Today what began as a small group has blossomed into a premier organization with 55 chapters throughout the continental United States, including Hawaii, and two International chapters in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada

• The membership is made up of current and retired military, law enforcement officers, doctors, lawyers, legislators and public officials, educators, and a variety of other professionals dedicated to the improvement of their communities and the advocacy of safe and enjoyable motorcycling



• NABSTMC members perpetuate the grand memory of the Legendary Buffalo Soldiers by spreading the legacy throughout the nation and abroad, through programs such as this, in schools, churches, institutions, and other organizations

• NABSTMC members love to ride, but take equal pride in conveying a positive image, especially to youth

• The NABSMC and affiliated chapters support charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Tom Joyner Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Toys for Tots, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and many more.


Retrace 2004…31 July

• In 2004, the National organization staged a historic ride to the Buffalo Soldiers Monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

• This event involved the participation of nearly 500 members from all over the United States

• Leaving from various destinations, all came together at Fort Leavenworth to retrace the steps of the original 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers of the late 1800’s.


At 11:30 am, a motorcade of over 400 bikes, with members dressed in black and gold, slowly began moving in military precision from the Kansas City International Expo Center to Fort Leavenworth

Retrace 2004… • The Organization created this event to honor and perpetuate the history of those brave troopers who fought so gallantly on the Great Plains during the Indian Wars

• Aside from paying tribute to the Legendary Buffalo Soldiers, members wanted to effect a resurgence of pride to carry back to their respective communities

• For most, it was the first time they were able to see, touch and experience the part of history they talked about in countless seminars across the country


NABSTMC Founder, Ken ‘Dream Maker’ Thomas speaks to crowd during ceremony…

Retrace 2004…

The Memorial Ceremony, held at the Monument, was open to all military and DOD personnel stationed at Fort Leavenworth


A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was performed by a contingent of color guards clothed in replica Buffalo Soldier uniforms and NABSTMC officers…

Retrace 2004…• The ceremony had a very

special ending as the ashes of Master Sergeant Robert E. Phillips were buried in the earth at the site of the Buffalo Soldier Monument

• Thomas ‘TC’ Costley, spokesperson and organizer of the event (pictured left), thanked the Phillips’ family for the privilege and pledged that the club would proudly execute the ceremony with ‘all of the honor and dignity it deserves.’


“There is no greater honor than to be asked to conduct this type of ceremony for a veteran,” said Thomas.

Retrace 2004…

• Following the ceremony, members visited the Richard Allen Cultural Center Museum in the town of Leavenworth, Kansas

• Later that evening, POW’s and MIA’s were honored in a moving program

• This was a historic event that those who participated will always remember


A flag was placed at the site by a member of each NABSTMC Chapter represented…

The Buffalo Soldiers of Alabama… The Motorcycle Club


The Buffalo Soldiers M/C of Alabama, B’ham Chapter

• We are a non-profit organization comprised of males and females from the military, law enforcement and other professional affiliation (active and retired). It is our mission to serve our communities as well as be responsible citizens. We are here to educate the public, mainly the youth, about the positive influence of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army, historically known as the Buffalo Soldiers.


The Buffalo Soldiers M/C of Alabama, B’ham Chapter


The Buffalo Soldiers M/C of Alabama, Mother Chapter



Documents

BUFFALO SOLDIERS…