As I was looking through the different national recognition days in July, I noticed that July 28th was dedicated as National Buffalo Soldier Day - a day to recognize the contributions made by African American soldiers even while segregated from the rest of the U.S. Army. And while I am interested in the big, broad history, it's the stories of the men (an even some women) that most interest me. (Because I love a good research rabbit hole, there are some historical resources and documents below -- keep scrolling for those).
If you don't do anything else on this page, scroll down to the audio interview with Sgt. Luther Hall, C Company, 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division. You can listen to all or just excerpts of his experiences in Italy during WWII.
I did a bit of online research and there are some amazing sources out there, but early on, I saw that the local university library had a copy of On the Trail of the Buffalo Soldier II edited by Frank N. Schubert and Irene Schubert. This is an amazing collection! My mind boggles at the work that went into compiling this in the relatively early years of the internet. I'm sure the work was the joint effort of hundreds of graduate research assistant hours! Some of the biographies have an extensive amount of information (and the source of the information - another kind of rabbit hole) and some just a few words.
The first soldier listed is James W. Abbot who was an Ordinance Sergeant in the U.S. Army. He was born in Kentucky in 1860. The information was compiled from the "Descriptive Book" and details his character (excellent) and his complexion (brown). The Assignment and Roll book gives a timeline of his service with the Army as he enlisted, was discharged and reenlisted. He served as a school teacher while stationed at Fort Bayard, NM, was on detached service during President Harrison's tour of the southwestern states, escorted an "insane soldier" to Washington, DC and was even one of the managers of a masquerade held in Fort Bayard, NM. A lot of information about Sgt. Major Abbott, compared to some other entries - but a lot is missing, too. Who were his parents? Where did he go to school? Did he have brother, sisters, a wife? Children? What were the living conditions for NCO's in the 1880's and how did that compare with White NCO's. What was a typical day like for Sgt. Major Abbott and I always want to know - what were the rations like at the fort?
There are many, many entries for Privates where the only information we have is their place of birth and enlistment date. Sometimes, there is mention of disciplinary actions that give such a human dimension to the basic facts. In 1885, Sergeant White decided to spend some time with some "disreputable women" instead of hunting as he was supposed to. And, you know -- that sounds like something thousands of soldiers must have done and still probably do to this very day. Sneak away for some a little fun whenever the opportunity presents itself! Poor Sergeant White just got caught!
Some history. Black Americans have served in the armed forces since colonial times, where both free and enslaved Blacks served in integrated units. They were a critical part of the Continental Army during the revolution and continued to be a part of the Army in the young nation.
During the Civil War, as the Army began to actively recruit free and formerly enslaved men to the armed forces, the War Department issued General Directive 143 which created the United States Colored Troops.
After the Civil War, Congress passed the "Armed Forces Reorganization Act of 1866" and formerly established the segregation of Black troops serving under White officers as part of the reorganization. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments became known as the Buffalo Soldiers throughout the 19th and Early 20th Centuries and fought in all major US engagements around the world. They also served as some of the nations first National Park Rangers in the early years of the department.
On July 26, 1948 President Truman signed Executive Order 9981 to desegregate the armed forces, though it took over a decade for a complete restructuring, although the last of the Buffalo Soldier Regiments was disbanded in 1951.
Current News: On February 18, 2025 Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) introduced H.R.1437 - Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 "to award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, authorized by Congress in 1866 to serve in the United States Armed Forces, in recognition of their superior, dedicated, and vital service to our Nation." It has been referred to committee, but no further action has been taken.
There is so much to learn about the Buffalo Soldiers and their part in world history. It is a complicated and complex story - too much for one small blog post. So take a little time to dive into some of these sites and get to know the individuals who served throughout the years.
Plaque in Arlington National Cemetery honoring the 92nd Infantry for its service in WWI and WWII
Buffalo Soldiers - Camp Lockett, California - ca. 1941 - 1945
Frederick Perkins, 9th Cavalry Regiment, American, founded 1866. From the Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture;
Buffalo soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment pose for a photo in 1890.
Interview with Sgt. Luther Hall, 92nd Infantry
This amazing recording is just one of many in the Library of Congress Collection from the 92nd Infantry in Italy during WWII
Sgt. Luther Hall, C Company, 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division
Listen to Sgt. Hall's Interview about his service during WWII in Italy.
More narratives available @ Buffalo Soldiers: The 92nd in Italy from the Library of Congress.
More things to look at!
Researching African Americans in the U.S. Army, 1866-1890 in the National Archives.
Charles Young's Buffalo Soldiers' National Monument from the National Park Services
Cover Photograph (Buffalo Soldiers escorting a stage coach, ca. 1890) courtesy of The Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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