Regiment is an organization that celebrates its heritage proudly.
Our history of service is built upon the shoulders of great men and women who have served this country with professionalism, duty and selfless service.
It is our honor to celebrate the sacrifices of those that have served, serve and will serve to defend what this country stands for.
Each week, we will highlight great Americans and their actions to continue to solidify the foundation of everything that this country is built upon.
This final week of February marks the end of Black History Month but not the end of our respect and adoration for our heroes and other POC’s who have made this country great. This Salute to Service goes out to the legendary Buffalo Soldiers from the American Civil War.
Nobody knows for certain why the Native Americans called the all-Black 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, “Buffalo Soldiers”, but one theory claims that it was based on the Soldier’s dark curly hair that resembled the fur of the mighty buffalo. Another assumption was how hard and valiantly those soldiers fought, the Indigenous People revered them as they did the mighty buffalo.
The 9th Cavalry Regiment was based out of New Orleans, and the 10th Cav was based out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Both units, amongst others, were sent west to defend the boundaries of the growing United States.
The Buffalo Soldiers not only fought Native Americans, but they also fought wildfires, poachers and supported the infrastructure of the Nation Parks.
Another two Regiments were formed, known as the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiment, also being all-Black units, they earned the title of Buffalo Soldiers.
The Buffalo Soldiers were involved in other conflicts, such as the Spanish-American War.
In the early 1900’s , the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were sent to the Philippines, and despite all of their efforts and validations proving their worth, they still faced continuing descrimination.
Finally, in 1940, both regiments were integrated into the 2nd Cavalry Division and continued to train for overseas combat and deployment during WWII.
In 1944, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were deactivated.
In 1948, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981 which finally eliminated racial segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces. The last all-black units were disbanded during the 1950’s.
The Buffalo Soldiers had the lowest desertion rated and court-martial rates of their time. Many won the Medal of Honor.
These Soldiers, who fought for a country that hated them only because of the color of their skin, are true legendary and honorable warriors. All deserve our greatest admiration.
To the Buffalo Soldiers, from each and every Regiment member, we Salute you.