Buffalo SoldiersBuffalo Soldiers99thth & 10& 10thth (Horse) Cavalry Association(Horse) Cavalry Association

San Diego ChapterSan Diego Chapter

The San Diego chapter is recognized as “An Official Army Unit Association”. The San Diego chapter of Buffalo Soldiers is organized to operate as an affiliate of the National office of the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association. The organization is nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian. Persons who reside in the state of California and who meet the criteria for membership, as established by the Ninth and Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association are eligible for membership in the San Diego chapter. Honorary membership in the chapter may be conferred upon individuals in recognition of meritorious service to the chapter.

Buffalo SoldiersBuffalo Soldiers 99thth & 10& 10thth (Horse) Cavalry Association(Horse) Cavalry Association

San Diego ChapterSan Diego ChapterThe San Diego chapter was founded in 2002. The chapter began witThe San Diego chapter was founded in 2002. The chapter began with fourteen h fourteen members. The San Diego chapter currently has 42 active members, members. The San Diego chapter currently has 42 active members, all volunteers. all volunteers. There are 11 life members, 27 regular members, 1 honorary memberThere are 11 life members, 27 regular members, 1 honorary member and three and three Original Buffalo Soldiers. Original Buffalo Soldiers.

The San Diego chapter of Buffalo Soldiers exists to provide a hiThe San Diego chapter of Buffalo Soldiers exists to provide a historically accurate storically accurate account of Black Soldiers contribution to American history, specaccount of Black Soldiers contribution to American history, specifically the 9th & 10th ifically the 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry's participation in American history. Additionally,Horse Cavalry's participation in American history. Additionally, the San Diego chapter the San Diego chapter exists to increase awareness and respect for cultural differenceexists to increase awareness and respect for cultural differences, encourage and s, encourage and develop leaders who can address the humanitarian needs of our codevelop leaders who can address the humanitarian needs of our communities and to mmunities and to improve the quality of life for all people in our communities. improve the quality of life for all people in our communities.

We are active in civic activities such as the Heritage Day ParadWe are active in civic activities such as the Heritage Day Parade, Independence Day e, Independence Day Parade, annual holiday toy giveaway at the downtown Civic CenterParade, annual holiday toy giveaway at the downtown Civic Center and Juneteenth and Juneteenth celebrations. Our color guard is very active in presenting colorcelebrations. Our color guard is very active in presenting colors at applicable s at applicable community events. The San Diego Buffalo Soldiers provide educaticommunity events. The San Diego Buffalo Soldiers provide educational presentations onal presentations to community schools and various other organizations on Buffalo to community schools and various other organizations on Buffalo Soldier history. The Soldier history. The San Diego Chapter also sponsors an educational fund which providSan Diego Chapter also sponsors an educational fund which provides one or two es one or two scholarships to deserving students each year. scholarships to deserving students each year.

Sources of funding include donations, member dues and other fundSources of funding include donations, member dues and other fundraising activities. raising activities. Monthly meetings are held at the Malcolm X Library, the third SaMonthly meetings are held at the Malcolm X Library, the third Saturday of each turday of each month. More information at month. More information at www.sandiegobuffalosoldiers.orgwww.sandiegobuffalosoldiers.org..

Front Row L-R: Vincent Lemons, James Davis, Janie Jackson, Victoria Allen, Elizabeth Nelson, Octavia Marshall, Carolyn Johnson, Rachel Hilliard, and Les Keowns.

Back Row L-R: Sam Campbell, Carl Wright, James Stevens, Edward Butler, Frank Waines, James Joyce, and Otis Snow.

Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association

San Diego Chapter

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier History

Nearly sixteen months after the end of the Civil War, section IINearly sixteen months after the end of the Civil War, section III of I of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act to increase and fix the Milian Act of Congress entitled "An Act to increase and fix the Military tary Peace Establishment of the United States", authorized the formatPeace Establishment of the United States", authorized the formation ion of two regiments of cavalry composed of "colored" men. The Act of two regiments of cavalry composed of "colored" men. The Act was approved on 28 July 1866. On September 21, 1866, the 9th was approved on 28 July 1866. On September 21, 1866, the 9th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Greenville, Louisiana and the Cavalry Regiment was activated at Greenville, Louisiana and the 10th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.10th Cavalry Regiment was activated at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Under the leadership of Colonels Edward Hatch and Benjamin Under the leadership of Colonels Edward Hatch and Benjamin GriersonGrierson, First Regimental Commanders of the 9th and 10th Cavalry , First Regimental Commanders of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments respectively, both regiments were trained and equippedRegiments respectively, both regiments were trained and equipped and began a long and proud history.and began a long and proud history.

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier History

Throughout the era of the Indian Wars, approximately twenty Throughout the era of the Indian Wars, approximately twenty percent of the U.S. Cavalry troopers were Black. They fought in percent of the U.S. Cavalry troopers were Black. They fought in over over 177 engagements. The combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, 177 engagements. The combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to call them and looks on the battlefield, inspired the Indians to call them "Buffalo Soldiers." Many Indians believed the name symbolized th"Buffalo Soldiers." Many Indians believed the name symbolized the e Native American's respect for the Buffalo Soldiers' bravery and Native American's respect for the Buffalo Soldiers' bravery and valor. Another view is that the Indians saw a resemblance betweevalor. Another view is that the Indians saw a resemblance between n the black man's hair and the mane of the buffalo. Yet another vithe black man's hair and the mane of the buffalo. Yet another view ew is that when a buffalo was wounded or cornered, it fought is that when a buffalo was wounded or cornered, it fought ferociously, displaying unusual stamina and courage. This was thferociously, displaying unusual stamina and courage. This was the e same fighting spirit Indians saw in combat with black cavalrymensame fighting spirit Indians saw in combat with black cavalrymen. . Since Indians held the buffalo in such high regard, it was felt Since Indians held the buffalo in such high regard, it was felt that that the name was not given in contempt. Buffalo Soldiers have worn tthe name was not given in contempt. Buffalo Soldiers have worn the he name with pride down through the years. name with pride down through the years.

Buffalo Soldier Bugler

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldiers participated in many other military campaigns; The Spanish American War, The Philippine Insurrection, The Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, and the Korean Police Action. For over two decades, the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on a western frontier that extended from Montana in the Northwest, to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona in the Southwest. They engaged in several skirmishes against such great Indian Chiefs as Victorio, Geronimo, and Nan.

Elements of both infantry regiments fought in Cuba during the War with Spain and participated in the famous charge on San Juan Hill.

Some of our brave Cuban liberatorsSome of our brave Cuban liberators

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier HistoryAfrican Americans have fought with distinction in all of this country's military engagements. However, some of their most notable contributions and sacrifices came during the Civil War. During that conflict, more than 180,000 African Americans wore the Union Army blue. Another 30,000 served in the Navy, and 200,000 served as workers on labor, engineering, hospital and other military support projects. More than 33,000 of these gallant soldiers gave their lives for the sake of freedom and their country.At least 18 medals of honor were presented to Buffalo Soldiers during the Western Campaigns. Similarly, 23 African Americans received the nation's highest military award during the Civil War.

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier HistoryShortly after the Civil War Congress authorized the formation of the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st Infantry Regiments, six all Black peacetime units. Later the four infantry regiments were merged into the 24th and 25th Infantries. In 1941, the two infantry regiments formed the 4th Cavalry Brigade, commanded by General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. at camp Funston, Kansas.

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier HistoryWhen not engaged in combat, Buffalo Soldiers built forts and roads, installed telegraph lines, located water holes, escorted wagon trains and cattle drives, rode shotgun on stagecoach and mail runs and protected settlers from renegade Indians, outlaws, and Mexican revolutionaries. Elements of both infantry regiments fought in Cuba during the War with Spain and participated in the famous charge on San Juan Hill. Troopers of the 10th Cavalry Regiments rode with General John J. Pershing during the punitive Expedition in Mexico in search of the outlaw Pancho Villa.

Buffalo Soldiers Guarding Concord Type Stagecoach 1869, National Archives

Buffalo Soldier HistoryBuffalo Soldier HistoryFinally in 1944, the end came to the cavalry regiments and the curtain was lowered on the long and glorious past of the "Buffalo Soldiers”. Much has changed since the days of the Buffalo Soldiers, including the integration of all military servicemen and women. The story of the Buffalo Soldier remains one of unsurpassed courage and patriotism, and will be forever a significant part of the history of America.

Buffalo SoldiersBuffalo Soldiers (9(9thth & 10& 10thth (Horse) Cavalry Association(Horse) Cavalry Association

San Diego ChapterSan Diego Chapter

Contact UsRachel Hilliard – President rachelhilliard@aol.com

Edward Butler – Executive Board & Webmaster edLbutler@gmail.com

Write to us at:San Diego Buffalo Soldiers 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry AssociationSan Diego Chapter P.O.Box 740178 San Diego, CA 92174-0178.