Buffalo Soldiers Research Museum

The Medal of Honor is America’s highest award for military valor. It is bestowed on those who have performed an act of such conspicuous gallantry as to rise “above and beyond the call of duty.” As a symbol of heroism, it has no equal in American life.

There have been 3,410 total recipients and 3,429 total Medals awarded. Nineteen recipients have received the Medal of Honor twice. The Army has awarded 2,363; the Navy awarded 745; the Marines 295; the Air Force awarded 16; the Coast Guard awarded 1 and there are 9 unknowns. One woman has received the Medal of Honor.

A total of 23 Buffalo Soldiers won the Medal of Honor during a variety of wars, expeditions, and campaigns. The book Black Valor: Buffalo Soldiers and the Medal of Honor, 1870-1898 by Frank Schubert brings the lives of these brave soldiers into sharp focus. Sgt. Emanuel Stance was the first to receive the Medal of Honor for his decisive and bold leadership of the Ninth Cavalry, which consisted of mostly slaves in battle with Indians. Sgt. George Jordan received the Medal for defending a civilian settlement at Ft. Tularosa, New Mexico; he later died after twice being refused to a military hospital. Sgt. William McBryar earned his Medal fighting a party of Apache Indians on Salt River, Arizona.

At the 133rd anniversary reunion of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association in Portland, Oregon, a wreath-laying ceremony at Vancouver Barracks honored Sgt. Moses Williams and other Buffalo Soldiers who received the Medal of Honor.

**Here's a detailed list of Buffalo Soldier Medal of Honor Recipients**
Baker, Edward L. Jr.	Sergeant Major, 10th Cavalry	Spanish American War 1898
Bell, Dennis	Private, H Troop, 10th Cavalry	Spanish American War 1898
Boyne, Thomas	Sergeant, C Troop, 9th Cavalry	Victorio Campaign 1879
Brown, Benjamin	Sergeant, C Troop, 24th Infantry	Paymaster Escort 1889
Denny, John	Private, C Troop, 9th Cavalry	Victorio Campaign 1879
Factor, Pompey	Private, 24th Infantry	Staked Plains Expedition 1875
Greaves, Clinton	Corporal, C Troop, 9th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1877
Johnson, Henry	Private, K Troop, 10th Cavalry	Ute Campaign 1879
Jordan, George	Sergeant, K Troop, 9th Cavalry	Victorio Campaign 1879
Lee, Fitz	Private, M Troop, 10th Cavalry	Spanish American War 1898
Mays, Isaiah	Corporal, B Troop, 24th Infantry	Paymaster Escort 1889
McBryar, William	Sergeant, K Troop, 10th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1890
Payne, Adam	Private, 24th Infantry	Comanche Campaign 1874
Payne, Isaac	Trumpeter, 24th Infantry	Staked Plains Expedition 1875
Shaw, Thomas	Sergeant, K Troop, 10th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1881
Stance, Emanuel	Sergeant, F Troop, 9th Cavalry	Texas Raid 1870
Thompkins, William	Corporal, A Troop, 10th Cavalry	Spanish American War 1898
Walley, Augustus	Sergeant, E Troop, 10th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1881
Wanton, George H.	Private, M Troop, 10th Cavalry	Spanish American War 1898
Ward, John	Sergeant, 24th Infantry	Staked Plains Expedition 1875
Williams, Moses	Sergeant, I Troop, 9th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1881
Wilson, William O.	Corporal, I Troop, 9th Cavalry	Pine Ridge Campaign 1890
Woods, Brent	Sergeant, B Troop, 9th Cavalry	Apache Campaign 1881

Interest in black heroes and the question of adequate recognition of their valor remains high. On January 13, 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to seven black soldiers during World War II.

From the 1600s when black slaves arrived at Jamestown, Virginia, we have played a role in making this country what it is today. Our ancestors have fought and died defending his great land. We have participated in every war that America has been involved in – on the battle fields and in rear support positions. Be proud of our military heroes. Pass our history on to our future generations. When you know your history, you know your greatness.

You can help by purchasing books and videos that tell our stories. Get involved in groups and organizations that ensure that our history is not lost. One goal of the Buffalo Soldiers research museum is to ensure that the stories of our soldiers are told.

PO Box 531187