Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter - 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association

Walking in the Footsteps of a Buffalo Soldier

2008-07-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Campo Valley lies half way between San Diego and El Centro, California. Just 12 miles to the West of I-8, take Exit 51, the State Route S1 exit in San Diego County. The drive from Los Angeles was 180 miles by my odometer, but the trip took me 65 years back in time. It was around March of ’43 when a new recruit named Fred Jones boarded a troop train at Fort Thomas, Kentucky. 10 days later he found himself at Camp Lockett, in California. When dad stepped off the train he saw Black Troopers on horseback and he asked, "Where am I?" One of the troopers replied, "This is the 10th Cavalry, son." Dad was very familiar with the Black men who served this country in the segregated units of the 9th and 10th mounted cavalry, nicknamed "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Native Americans during the Indian Wars. In fact, he was continuing the family legacy that started with his uncle, Trooper John Powell, who served in the 10th cavalry during World War I. Camp Lockett was the new home of the 10th and the newly formed 28th cavalry regiments. Dad and many young men from the mid-west would make of the bulk of the new regiment.

I don't believe the Campo Valley has changed much in the past 65 years. Outside of a few new ranch homes here and there and a freshly paved highway that leads to Cameron's Corners and on to the base, the topology hasn't changed much. Rolling hills and open pastures are dotted by hugh boulders that seemed as though they were dropped by some over loaded boulder hauling space craft that flew over the area on its way back to its home planet. It's very easy to let your imagination drift back to a time when this area was overrun with Troopers perfecting their skills as premier horsemen. They protected the railways, reservoirs, bridges and tunnels in the area. They were this country's first line of defense for any enemy that attempted to attack the United States from the South and they along with other Buffalo Soldier regiments in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, patrolled the US - Mexico border until all the regiments were shipped out to North Africa in 1944.

During my drive down to Camp Lockett, I was reminded of the last time I drove on State Route S1. It was in 2002. Dad and I were coming down for a rededication ceremony of a monument to the Virgin Mary, built by Italian prisoners-of-war who were held on the base after the 10th and 28th Regiments had shipped out to North Africa. Dad told me the regiments used to do 24 mile force-marches on Route S1 from the base to where I-* is today and then back to the base. The marches were done at night, leaving Camp Lockett around 22:00 and returning the next morning by 06:00.

During one of these night maneuvers a trooper thought he would make a little money by selling whiskey to the other troopers while they were out on the road. Leave it to some enterprising young trooper to try to earn some extra cash on the side. His plan was to fill his canteen with whiskey and after they've been out for a few hours he'd start selling capfuls at whatever price the market would bear. There is a saying in the desert, "water is more precious than gold." After a few hours had gone by and no sales were being made the young trooper started to get thirsty. It seems that alcohol doesn't satisfy ones thirst like water does; in fact it makes it a lot worse. A lesson the young trooper learned the hard way. He eventually ended up pouring out the whiskey and then begging his fellow troopers for water. (the best laid plans of mice and men...)

I didn't do Dad's story much justice here. Dad was a great storyteller! I guess, when you walk in the footsteps of a Buffalo Soldier, you'd best be prepared to fill some might big boots.

Camp Lockett's site was chosen for a cavalry post as far back as 1878 when sixteen troopers wearing the Blue uniform of the US Cavalry bivouacked for several months in this small mexican border valley. At that time it took a week to get to San Diego, the choicest acres of bottomland sold for $5 an acre: smugglers, cattle wrestlers and bandits were a constant problem.

Ground was broken for the present camp on June 23rd, 1941. The surrounding terrain offers unparalleled opportunities to test man, beast and mechanized carriers over a wide variety of terrain that includes heavily wooded underbrush, desert sand, miles of barren, rocky wastelands, streams to be forded and other geographic hazards identical to those which confront cavalry troopers in battle conditions.

Climatically this is a region of extremes. There is summer heat of 115 degrees and freezing temperatures in the winter. Long dry spells alternate with cloudburst. The Campo Valley is known as an area having one of the longest thermometers (meaning temperature swings) in the country.

In 1942, the 10th Cavalry Regiment (the famed Buffalo Soldiers) moved into Camp Lockett to replace the 11th Cavalry Regiment, which had been converted into an armored unit. In 1943 the 28th Cavalry Regiment made up of inductees joined the 10th to form the 4th Cavalry Brigade of the 2nd Cavalry Division (Horse).

From Fort Leavenworth to Camp Lockett: two military reservations separated by 1600 miles and 78 years of Buffalo Soldier History. If their story began at Fort Leavenworth, then history will record that it ended at Camp Lockett. What happened in between is the responsibility of every abel-bodied member of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association to tell.

Col Charles Young in Sequoia National Park

2008-07-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

105 years ago, then captain, Charles Young and a Company of Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th Cavalry Regiment spent the summer working in Sequoia National Park, building the roads that opened the top of the mountain to tourism. On August 28, 2004 a Giant Sequoia Redwood was dedicated in the name of the Black Cavalry Officer.

During a very private ceremony guest from the National Park Service, the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, Vision Quest Buffalo Soldiers from youth camps in Pennsylvania, Arizona, and the Fred D. Jones Youth Center in Hesperia, California along with Buffalo Soldier reenactors from Northern California, stood in silence as descendants of Col. Charles Young thanked park officials and unveiled the wooden plaque located at the base of a mighty Sequoia Redwood.

The tree is located on Bear Hill Trail, just off the main road to Moro Rock. The same road built by Col. Young and the Buffalo Soldiers so many years ago. As you park your car, near the famous “Auto Log,” and head towards the trail, his tree is just out of sight. The footpath has an uphill grade and Col. Young’s tree is about 200 yards away at the end of the walk. The mountain air has a fresh clean smell and the scent of pine is everywhere. The path is covered with a light dusting of fine dirt and the canopy from the surrounding Ponderosa Pines and Douglas Ferns provides a blanket of shading that keeps the air temperature comfortable. As you make your way up the trail it takes a slight dogleg turn to the right and then you see it. At the end of the path stands a mature Sequoia Redwood. The symbolism is unmistakable. A solitary Sequoia Redwood, surrounded by many other tall pine trees …one cannot help but think of Col. Charles Young and his Troopers from the 9th Cavalry Regiment. Buffalo Soldiers one and all. They were true Trailblazers,

in every sense of the word.

Eagle Court of Honor

2008-07-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

An Eagle Scout!

By Trooper Ron Jones

What goes into making an Eagle Scout? Take two heaping cups of a father’s guidance and a mother’s love. Add in, support from his family, his school and his community. Mix in a Scout Master’s leadership with the right amount of goals to help the scout learn responsibility, planning, and organizational skills and then reinforce, in him, a strong belief in God and Country. Wrap all of this with the twelve points of the Scout’s Law: A Scout is – Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Lastly, since a man is only as good as his word, ask him to take the following oath:

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

Simmer over time with patience, tolerance, love and understanding. If you did everything just right, you might end up with an Eagle Scout. The worst thing that can happen... you’ll end up with a well-rounded young man.

It is a rare individual who has the dedication, the drive and the work ethic necessary to become an Eagle Scout. We, (members of the Los Angeles Chapter, of the 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Association) had the distinct honor and privilege to be among the many VIP guests who were present at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony for Matthew T. Seymour, as he received the Eagle Scout - Badge and Medal.

Clifford and Varnessa Seymour got it right when it came to their son Matthew. They deserve to be very proud of their son and his accomplishment. But when you know that Matthew’s grandfather is Trooper Andrew Aaron, one of the last of the surviving WWII Buffalo Soldiers, you almost want to say, ...should we expect anything less!

The next time you see a Scout, please, give him some words of encouragement.

Congratulations, Matthew! You and young men like you, give me a positive feeling about our future.

There was one other thing that I wanted to mention about the Boy Scouts. If you want to know what kind of a man a Boy Scout grows up to be, you don’t have to look any further than to the men in our own organization. Here are just a few: Trooper Andrew Isaacs - Boy Scout, Trooper Bobby McDonald - Boy Scout, Trooper Andrew Aaron - Boy Scout, Trooper Lennister Williams - Boy Scout, Trooper Fred Cartha - Boy Scout and my father, Trooper Frederick Douglass Jones was a Boy Scout. A childhood friend of my father’s and also a Boy Scout was John Fox. On December 26th 1944, in Italy, Lieutenant Fox (92nd INF. DIV.) was 29 years old when he called artillery fire on his own position that was being overran with Germans. His actions, while saving his regiment, cost him his life and he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in 1982. After further review, Lt. Fox had his medal upgraded, in January 1997, to the Congressional Medal of Honor. What type of a man does a Boy Scout grow up to be? A Buffalo Soldier. It’s not just coincidental that both groups’ initials are ‘B’ and ‘S’.

NAACP CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF DR. WILLIAM HENRY WADDELL IV

2007-02-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Source: HTTP://WWW.NAACP.ORG/NEWS/PRESS/2007-02-09/INDEX.HTML

Feb. 9, 2007

Dr. William Henry Waddell IV

The NAACP celebrates the life of Dr. William Henry Waddell IV, the nation’s second-oldest known Buffalo Soldier, a pioneer in the field of veterinary medicine and a lifetime NAACP member. He died January 30 in Hawaii at the age of 98.

A man of many “firsts,” Waddell was born in South Richmond, Va. in 1908. He studied veterinary medicine at Lincoln University and passed the Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medicine in 1935, becoming the first licensed black veterinarian in the state. Waddell later co-founded the Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as the school’s first faculty member and worked with George Washington Carver on peanut oil therapy. Waddell was also the first black member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the first black veterinarian to practice in West Virginia.

From 1941 to 1946 Waddell served the U.S. 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the United States Army as a Buffalo Soldier. The Buffalo Soldiers were originally established by Congress as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the United States Army, but later operated during wartime. Waddell served abroad during the Italian campaign of World War II and was later wounded in action in North Africa.
Waddell was the second oldest of two surviving Buffalo Soldiers, and the last member of the 9th and 10th Calvary Regiments. He continued to attend Buffalo Soldier reunions each year up until his death. Joe Barnes of San Francisco is said to be the oldest known and sole remaining Buffalo Soldier.

After the war, Waddell opened a veterinary clinic in Tuskegee, Ala. and continued his affiliation with Tuskegee University. He was honored for his contributions to the veterinary school in 2004.

Among his many honors, Waddell received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Lincoln University and a lifetime achievement award at the National Veterinary Association meeting in Honolulu last year. An annual scholarship named in his honor was recently instituted by the NAACP Honolulu Branch.
Waddell is remembered as a wise and exceptionally kind man who encouraged youth to seek knowledge and education. He is survived by a host of loving relatives and family friends and will be sorely missed.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Photo: http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7pfhi/ribuffalosoldiersmc/

1908-2007 William Waddell, Buffalo Soldier

2007-02-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

By Will Hoover, Advertiser Staff Writer

William Henry Waddell — one of only two surviving Buffalo Soldiers — died at age 98 Tuesday evening at his home in Ka'a'awa.

Waddell, who retired in Hawai'i in 1972 with his wife Lottie, served from 1941 through 1946 with the 9th and 10th Cavalry during the Italian campaign of World War II.

The term "Buffalo Soldier" is one of pride that harks back to the period immediately following the Civil War when depleted Union troops were, by act of Congress, strengthened for the first time to include six regiments of black soldiers.

The term became synonymous with all black regiments that served during subsequent conflicts including the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War, after which the unit was discontinued.

But Waddell had been a trailblazer before entering the war. In 1935, he made history by becoming the first black to be granted a license to practice veterinary medicine in Pennsylvania after he passed the State Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Waddell, who was born in South Richmond, Va., in 1908, also was the first black to practice veterinary medicine in West Virginia and the first black member of the American Veterinary Medicine Association. He was further honored in 2003 as a co-founder of the historic Tuskegee Institute School of Veterinary Medicine.

"I think he was a great humanitarian," said his daughter Kathryn Waddell Takara, a professor at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. "He had a kind heart.

"He was a terribly hard worker who came up from nothing. He's my hero."

In 2004 ,Waddell was awarded a doctor of science honorary degree from the Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

Through it all, Waddell remained a man of warmth and humor. His autobiography, "People are the Funniest Animals," was published in 1978. He also authored several other books.

"He was a grand, grand man," said retired UH professor Miles Jackson, a neighbor of Waddell's. "We all looked upon him as a sage. He had always had positive words of wisdom to share with people.

"He had a fantastic memory. We really enjoyed his company."

To those who knew him, he was an inspiration who will be greatly missed.

"The sad state of affairs is that we began February, Black History Month, with the loss of a national treasure," said Alphonso Braggs, president of Hawai'i NAACP.

"He's the reason that many of us are able to pursue our goals, our dreams and our aspirations. And right up to the end, he was still being that inspirational leader and mentor that he is very well known for.

"The irony is that at this time last year, Dr. Waddell was going around the Island bases with us celebrating Black History Month. So there's going to be that absence this year."

Yet, Braggs and Jackson both praised Waddell for giving those who follow in his footsteps the courage and motivation to continue to carry the message of inspiration and hope forward.
"We can only hope that we are able to live long enough to leave a legacy as great as what he's left us," Braggs said.

At a time when many young people are having trouble understanding the civil rights struggles of the '50s and '60s, he said Waddell's legacy stands as a beacon of light.

Already that legacy has grown. On Jan. 13 — less than a month before his death — the Honolulu Hawai'i branch of the NAACP awarded its first scholarship in Waddell's name, Braggs said.

"We really want to perpetuate what he has done. And that's one way to remind folks," Braggs said.

His wife preceded him in death. Aside from his daughter, survivors include two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Photo from the Buffalo Soldier Research Museum
http://buffalosoldiersresearchmuseum.org/research/books/waddell.htm

This article was published on February 4, 2007

A New Play about the Buffalo Soldiers

2007-02-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Buffalo Soldiers, A Tale Lost

Please note: For tickets to the Berkeley shows at the Julia Morgan Center (Feb 15 - 17), please call the CBON Ticket Line at (925) 798 -1300. See below for other ticket information.

A powerful, eighteen hundred period theatrical release: Buffalo Soldiers, A Tale Lost triangles the lives, struggles, and conflicts of the Negro Cavalry, Army Officials, and fearless Indian Warriors, while a lone courageous soldier risks his life to convince his comrades that fighting in a war where there are no victors is wrong.

This classy, new, original production breathes life into a forgotten, but crucial chapter in American history. Through dramatic encounters and action filled plots; Buffalo Soldiers, A Tale Lost, displays a clash between three cultures... The White Officers, who are steadfast in their superiority, the Indians, who are vibrant in their refusal to sign a peace treaty, and the Negro soldiers, whose complexities range from house slave to field slave, from heroes to killers, from proud service to insubordination.

The characters in the play comprise an all-male cast that consists of sixteen different roles. Derived from actual events. It's intense, it's original, it's powerful, Buffalo Soldiers, A Tale Lost seeks to break new ground in American theatre.

Dates:
February 15, 2007 - 8:00 PM
February 16, 2007 - 8:00 PM
February 17, 2007 - 8:00 PM

Location:

Julia Morgan Center for the Arts2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA Adults $30, Children $15, Student and Senior $25Call the CBON Ticket Line: (925) 798-1300

Dates:

February 21, 2007 - 8:00 PM Through
February 24, 2007 - 8:00 PM

Location:

Montgomery Theater 271 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA

Breaking bread together for the Holidays

2006-12-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

Members of the Los Angeles Chapter of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, gather for their annual Buffalo Soldier informal luncheon and family get-to-gather.

Pictured above, from left to right seated, are: Trooper Robert McDaniel, World War II veteran who served with the 9th Cavalry regiment stationed at Fort Riley and for a time was a member of headquarter staff and worked for Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr., Trooper Alfred Evans, WWII veteran who served with the 10th Cavalry regiment, Trooper John Tull, WWII veteran who served with the 10th Cavalry regiment, Trooper Andrew Isaacs, WWII veteran with the 10th Cavalry regiment and is the newly elected President of the L.A. Chapter, Trooper Eugene Lewis, WWII veteran, 28th Cavalry regiment 'C' Troop, stationed at Camp Lockett in California and outgoing L.A. Chapter President, Trooper Andrew Aaron, Korean War veteran and a member of the 24th Infantry regiment.

Second row: Nathaniel Hosea, WWII veteran and a member of the Mondfort Point Marines, Retired U.S. Army Colonel Franklin Henderson, past National President of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association, Trooper Fred Cartha, WWII veteran, served with the 10th Cavalry regiment and is this year's recipient of the Los Angeles Chapter Buffalo Soldier "Trooper of the Year" award, Trooper Phillip Wilkes Fixico, descendant of the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, Trooper Jean Lewis, US Army veteran of the Cold War era, Trooper Gwen Jones.

The back five: Trooper Charles Allen, Korean War veteran and a member of the 24th Infantry regiment, Trooper Erich Hicks, Vietnam War veteran, Trooper James Cooper, WWII veteran, served in the 24th Infantry regiment and was a driver in Patton's Red Ball Express, Trooper Walter Brady, Iraqi War veteran, Trooper Lennister Williams, Vietnam War veteran and retired Sgt. Maj U.S. Army.

During WWII and the Korean War, the Buffalo Soldier regiments consisted of the 24th and 25th Infantries and the 9th, 10th, 27th and 28th Cavalries. The cavalry regiments made up the 2nd Cavalry Division which was deactivated in 1944. When President Truman's Executive Order 9981 was fully implemented in 1951, bringing an end to segregation in the arm forces, it closed the door on the history that was the Buffalo Soldiers of the segregated U.S. Army. These men represent the last of the original Buffalo Soldiers who served in those segregated regiments.

Recent 2006 Veterans Day Buffalo Soldier Public Appearances

2006-11-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Forest Lawn 2006 Veterans Day Program. Seated from left to right are: Trooper Phil Wilkes Fixico, Trooper Lennister Williams, Trooper Charles Allen, Trooper Andrew Aaron and 90 year old, Trooper Robert McDaniel.

Trooper Andrew Aaron (24th Infantry - Korean War vetran) is interviewed by a local news station.

Trooper Lennister Williams with local Los Angeles News Anchor, Stan Chambers, who was this years Master of Ceremony for the Veterans Day program.

Trooper Robert McDaniel (9th Cavalry WWII veteran) with Stan Chambers

Los Angeles Chapter 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association members with local area scouts and scout leaders

Trooper Andrew Isaacs and Trooper Fred Cartha (both 10th Cavalry - WWII veterans) with the Mayor of Palm Springs, Ron Oden just before the start of the Palm Springs Veterans Day parade.

Trooper Fred Cartha with the mounted unit from Ft Irwin

Troopers Carth and Isaacs with Pearl Harbor survivors

Spectators at the Palm Springs Veterans Day parade were treated by a flyover of a F-17 Night Hawk stealth fighter.

Looking down the parade route in Palm Springs just before the start of the parade.

89 Year Old WWII Buffalo Soldier Willie Jones Prepares to Retire Again

2006-11-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

Photo By: Lui Kit Wong/The News Tribune

William Jones, better known as Mr. Jones, spent 22 years in the Army as a Buffalo Soldier before retiring as a master sergeant. After 54 years in Tacoma as the man who has everything, he’s ready to retire again.

I came across an article on Mr. Jones while doing some research on the Buffalo Soldiers. In the article a phone number was listed so I called it. What a pleasant surprise it was when I heard a voice answer, "Mr. Jones!" After I explained that my name was Jones too, and that I am a member of the 9th 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association in Los Angeles, I spent a very pleasant time talking with Mr. Jones and his daughter Lia.

Mr. Jones is looking forward to retiring, but he'll keep busy with his 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Museum. He has one of the country's largest collection of out of print books about the Buffalo Soldiers.

Mr. Jones served in the 10th Cavalry at Camp Lockett and possible knew my father along with Trooper George Poston (deceased) and our current Chapter PresidentTrooper Eugene Lewis.

To find out more about Trooper Willie Jones click on this link:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/columnists/merryman/story/6216720p-5431158c.html

Buffalo Soldier National Museum Acquires Historic Colletion

2006-11-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Buffalo Soldier Museum in Houston, Texas recently received a substantial donation of military uniforms, weapons, pictures and diaries that tells the story of black soldiers from the end of the Civil War to World War I. The collection belonged to Anthony Powell, a historian who lives in California's Bay Area. Mr. Powell packed up his collection and drove a Budget rental truck 2,000 miles to deliver 13 crates of military memorabilia to the Buffalo Soldier National Museum.

Pictured here is Trooper PJ Matthews, the museum curator.

For more information about Mr. Powell's donation click on this link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4318493.html

...pray for our soldiers who live In Harm’s Way!

2006-11-20T01:48:00.000-08:00

As we move into the Holiday Season, I would like to change the subject from all things Buffalo Soldiers, to our men and women now serving in the arm forces around the world. A couple of years ago I came across a poem that was written by a Marine stationed in Japan. Unfortunately I do not know his name for I would like to acknowledge him and the message it reflects.

I am not too proud to say that it brings a tear to my eye every time I read it.

Twas the night before Christmas...

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this home did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand, on the wall hung many pictures of distance lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sober thought came through, from the depths of my mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary; I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a home for a United States Soldier. Was this the hero of whom I’d just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon round the world the children would play, and grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here. I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, “Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more, my life is my God, my Country, my Corps.” The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn’t control it I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill. I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark, night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, “Carry on Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all is secure.” One look at my watch, and I knew he was right. “Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.”

The preceding was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan.

The Freedoms we enjoy, they all seem so nice, but were purchased by soldiers who paid the ultimate price. Before you turn-in at the end of each day, please say a prayer for our soldiers who live In Harm’s Way!

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Trooper Ronald R Jones

A reflection on July 28, 1866

2006-11-19T03:35:00.000-08:00

During July of this year (2006) as our organization prepared to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the formation for the Buffalo Soldier rgiments, I found myself thinking that during the early weeks of the month of July, 140 years ago, Black men were very concerned about their future. For well over 200 years in this country Blacks were held in servitude. In that time the country had gone through a Revolution, created a nation, endured a Civil War and emancipated the slaves. Over 180,000 Black men fought in the Civil War, on both sides, and over 140,000 of them lived to see the end of the war and the freedom they all fought so hard for to achieve. But freedom is truly a relative term. Reconstruction, in the South, was progressing but with it came the Black Codes.

A Republican controlled Congress was concerned about the safety of their American citizens, or so they say, who were venturing out into the Western Territories. And so, an Act was drafted and presented to Congress on July 28th, 1866. It offered 6,000 Black men, some veterans of the Civil War, a chance to earn $13.00 a month. Sure there was training and education, room and board, three squares-a-day and a paymaster at the end of each month, and there was segregation, racism, prejudice, inferior equipment and terrible duty assignments. But there was also an intangible component associated with what the government was offering these Black men. Something that no one could predict or even ascertain the effect of …and that was an opportunity. Give a man, any man, self-determination. Let him feel he has some control of his destiny, let him feel he is free to decide his fate and determine his future; let him feel he is a Man, provide him an opportunity and then step back and watch great things happen . On July 28th, 1866 young Black men pondered their future, seized an opportunity and the rest, as they say, is history.

Trooper Ron Jones

23 Names Every Trooper Should Know!

2006-11-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

The Bravest of the Brave

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. It is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in actual combat against an armed enemy force." Since it was first awarded during the Civil War, the medal has been awarded 3,460 times, most recently in 2005. There were 23 Medal of Honor awarded to the Buffalo Soldiers during the Indian and the Spanish-American Wars.

9th Cavalry Medal of Honor Recipients

1. Sgt. Thomas Boyne – C Troop; Victorio Campaign, 1879
2. Pvt. John Denny – C Troop; Victorio Campaign, 1879
3. Cpl. Clinton Greaves – C Troop; Apache Campaign, 1877
4. Pvt. Henry Johnson – K Troop; Ute Campaign, 1879
5. Sgt. George Jordan – K Troop; Victorio Campaign, 1879
6. Sgt. Thomas Shaw – K Troop; Apache Campaign, 1881
7. Sgt. Emanuel Stance – F Troop; Texas, 1870
8. Sgt. Augustus Walley – E Troop; Apache Campaign, 1881
9. 1st Sgt. Moses Williams – I Troop; Apache Campaign, 1890
10. Cpl. William O. Wilson – I Troop; Pine Ridge Campaign, 1890
11. Sgt. Brent Woods – B Troop; Apache Campaign, 1881

10th Cavalry Medal of Honor Recipients

12. Sgt. Mjr. Edward L. Baker, Jr. – Spanish-American War, 1898
13. Pvt. Dennis Bell – H Troop; Spanish-American War, 1898
14. Pvt. Fitz Lee – M Troop; Spanish-American War, 1898
15. Sgt. William McBryar – K Troop; Apache Campaign, 1890
16. Cpl. William Tompkins – B Troop; Paymaster Escort, 1889
17. Pvt. George H. Wanton – M Troop; Spanish-American War 1898

24th Infantry Medal of Honor Recipients

18. Sgt. Benjamin Brown – C Troop; Paymaster Escort, 1889
19. Cpl. Isaiah Mays – B Troop; Paymaster Escort, 1889

Seminole Negro Indian Scouts Medal of Honor Recipients

20. Pvt. Pompey Factor – 24th Infantry; Staked Plans Expedition, 1875
21. Pvt. Adam Paine – 24th Infantry; Comanche Campaign, 1874
22. Trumpeter Isaac Payne – 24th Infantry; Staked Plans Expedition, 1875
23. Sgt. John Ward – 24th Infantry; Staked Plains Expedition, 1875

There are four other names that every Trooper should know. They may not be Medal of Honor recipients but many would consider them just as deserving for what they had to endure. Thirteen Black cadets matriculated at West Point between 1865 and 1915. Only three of them graduated. They were not so much hazed as ostracized. The treatment they received at West Point was shameful. After the first three had graduated from West Point, it would not be until 1936 that another Black cadet would graduate from the military academy.

They were:

• Lt. Henry O. Flipper – Graduated 1877
• Lt James H. Alexander – Graduated 1887
• Lt. Charles Young – Graduated 1889
• Lt. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. – Graduated 1936

For more information on these Medal of Honor recipients refer to Frank N. Schubert’s book “Black Valor – Buffalo Soldiers and the Medal of Honor, 1870 – 1898.”

Trooper Ron Jones

Formation of the Buffalo Soldier Regiments

2006-11-19T02:06:00.000-08:00

I guess the best place to start would be at the beginning.

On July 28, 1866 the Thirty-Ninth Congress passed into law a provision that allowed Black men to serve in the United States Army during peace time. This was the first time in our nation’s history that such a thing was even possible. “An Act to increase and fix the Military Peace establishment of the United States” made it all possible. It reads as follows:

“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the military peace establishment of the United States shall hereafter consist of five regiments of artillery, ten regiments of cavalry, forty-five regiments of infantry, the professors and corps of cadets of the United States Military Academy, and such other forces as shall be provided for by this act, to be known as the Army of the United States.”

Section Three of the act went on to say: “And be it further enacted, That to the six regiments of cavalry now in service there shall be added four regiments, two of which shall be composed of "Colored" men, having the same organization as is now provided by law for cavalry regiments…” Those four additional cavalry regiments were the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th regiments. It was the 9th and 10th cavalries that were “composed of Colored men” and who spent the next 30 years serving in the Western territories where they were named Buffalo Soldiers by the Plaines Indians who engaged them in battle.

Section Four of the act outlined the infantry as follows: “And be it further enacted, That the forty-five regiments of infantry provided for by this act shall consist of the first ten regiments, of ten companies each, now in service; of twenty-seven regiments, of ten companies each, to be formed by adding two companies to each battalion of the remaining nine regiments; and of eight new regiments, of ten companies each, four regiments of which shall be composed of "Colored" men and four regiments of ten companies each to be raised and officered as hereinafter provided for...” The four infantry regiments that were "composed of Colored men" were the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st regiments. In 1869 the 38th and 41st infantry regiments were reorganized to form the 24th infantry regiment and the 39th and 40th infantry regiments were reorganized to form the 25th infantry regiment, together all four regiments (the 9th & 10th Cavalries and the 24th & 25th Infantries) made a name for themselves while serving out west.

The general view at the time, of these “Colored” troops, was best captured by Lt. Grothe Hutcheson Adjutant 9th U.S. Cavalry. “The men knew nothing, and the non-commissioned officers but little more. From the very circumstances of their preceding life it could not be otherwise. They had no independence, no self-reliance, not a thought except for the present, and were filled with superstition. To make soldiers of, such material was, at that time, considered more of an experiment than as a fixed principle.” An experiment… That’s exactly what it was, but an experiment that exceeded all expectations. With their Seminole Negro Indian Scouts included these “Colored” regiments had 23 individuals earn the Medal of Honor. While the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments made up just 20% of the mounted regiments in the U.S. Army, and were often stationed at very remote locations, they managed to be involved in over 140 Indian engagements.

On July 28th, 2006 we celebrated the 140th Anniversary of the formation of the United States Army‘s six Black Regiments, who were nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers. I’d like to add that every minority serving in the military today, including women, owe a vote of thanks to the Buffalo Soldiers, who were the first and who opened the ‘door of opportunity’ so the rest of us could serve in the U.S. military.

Thank You – Buffalo Soldiers!
Trooper Ron Jones – Vietnam Vet – 12 years U.S. Navy,
Submarine Service (Nuclear)

Buffalo Soldiers

2006-11-19T01:42:00.000-08:00

This Blog will be used to educate, inform and entertain you with information about the little known history of a group of U.S. Army regiments who were nicknamed, "Buffalo Soldiers." Who these men were and what their contributions to the growth and expansion of the United States was, will be highlighted in future Blogs.

For now, I'm just trying to settle in to the Blog concept and hope I can do these gentlemen's contribution to Amreica's History justice.

Trooper Ron Jones