Since the colonial days, African Americans have proudly served in the military. During the Civil War, about 180,000 black soldiers bore arms for the Union. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to allow African Americans to serve in the regular army. The law specifically set aside six all African-American army units. Two were identified as the 9th and 10th cavalries, and the remaining four were the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st infantry regiments. Eventually, the four infantry regiments were reorganized to form the 24th and 25th infantry regiments.

Made up of former slaves, freemen and Civil War veterans, these brave men became known as the Buffalo Soldiers, the first black professional soldier unit in a peacetime army. The Buffalo Soldiers continued to participate in many other military campaigns well into the 20th century, including the Philippine Insurrection, the Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II and the Korean Police Action.

Commanded by Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the two regiments of the 9th and 10th cavalries became the 4th Cavalry Brigade in 1941. Davis became the first black general in U.S. military history. During World War II, the Buffalo Soldiers joined the 92nd Infantry Division's predominantly black unit. Although about 3,000 of the division’s Buffalo Soldiers were killed, captured, wounded or declared missing in action, they apprehended nearly 24,000 prisoners and received more than 21,000 decorations and citations for their bravery in combat.

Much has changed since the early days of the Buffalo Soldiers; however, the legendary stories of the Buffalo Soldiers remain tales of unsurpassed courage and patriotism. These soldiers’ contributions will forever be a significant part of American history.

THE NAME

These first black troopers were nicknamed “buffalo soldiers” by the Cheyenne Native American tribe in 1867. The Cheyenne term actually translates as “wild buffalo.” The Buffalo is revered by the Cheyenne and is a significant figure in Native American culture. The nickname was given out of respect and acknowledged the fierce fighting ability of the 10th Cavalry. Over time, Buffalo Soldiers became a generic term for all African-American soldiers.