Fort Bliss Buffalo Soldiers Memorial

In 1866, one year after the end of the Civil War and more than six months after enactment of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery, Congress reorganized the peacetime Regular Army and, recognizing the military merits of Black soldiers, authorized four Black infantry regiments and two segregated regiments of Black cavalry. The Ninth and Tenth United States Cavalry became the most decorated of all United States military regiments. The nickname Buffalo Soldiers is believed to have begun with Cheyenne warriors in 1867, who, out of respect for Black soldiers who were ferocious and courageous in battle even when outnumbered, called them Buffalo Soldiers, reportedly because their hair resembled that of the revered bison; because the buffalo was a sacred animal to Indians, the cavalrymen accepted the title with great pride, and the name became a highly respected American legacy. Ten Buffalo Soldiers are buried at Fort Bliss: Charlie Bates of the 10th Cavalry, MSG Donnie Brown of the 10th Cavalry, Sgt. Sheldon Colbert of the 10th Cavalry, Henry Demand of the 10th Cavalry, Pvt. Frank Coleman of the 10th Cavalry, Pvt. Richard Holt of the 10th Cavalry, Wagoneer Grover Mapp of the 10th Cavalry, Pvt. Roy McCann of the 9th Cavalry, Pvt. James Motjoy of the 9th Cavalry, and Sgt. Edward Walker of the 10th Cavalry. Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry killed during the Battle of Carrizal in Carrizal, Mexico, on June 21, 1916 were Capt. Charles T. Boyd, 10th Cavalry; 1st Lt. Henry R. Adair, 10th Cavalry; 1st Sgt. William Winrow, Troop C; Sgt. Will Hines, Troop C; Pvt. Thomas Moses, Troop C; Horseshoer Lee Talbott, Troop C; Pvt. DeWitt Rucker, Troop K; Pvt. Charley Matthews, Troop K; and Pvt. James E. Day, Troop K.

El Paso, Texas · United States