The Buffalo Soldiers: A Narrative of the Black Cavalry in the West

The Buffalo Soldiers: A Narrative of the Black Cavalry in the West

Introduction

The Buffalo Soldiers: A Narrative of the Black Cavalry in the West is a book written by William H. Leckie. The book talks about the importance of the American African units in the conquest of the West. The main aim of the book is to explore deeply about the lives of the Buffalo soldiers in the Ninth and the Tenth Cavalry Regiments. Furthermore, the book talks about the Buffalo soldiers during and after the wars and helps the readers in understanding the main issue. It is important for the readers to first understand the concept of ninth and tenth cavalry regiment around which the story revolves. This paper will tend to summarize and analyze the book.

Discussion

The name Buffalo Soldiers is controversial and interesting. The name was given by the Cheyenne Indian cavalry in battle in 1867. There are three reasons for this name. First, curly hair often soldiers pointed their manes back to Buffalo. Second, there is no name, because his ability to fight through Cheyenne reminds of buffalo fighting. Third reason is because they wore winter coats of buffalo skin. In any case, this name was given to them with respect and reverence (www.h-net.org).

After completing the Indian Wars in the 1890s, these regiments remained an inactive part in the war against Spain during which its components were another five Medals of Honor of the United States. Also participating in the American intervention in Mexico in 1916 to Mexico or the Philippine-American War were the Buffalo Soldiers in the Second World War. In 1866 the U.S. Congress authorized the creation of two cavalry regiments composed entirely of black soldiers. Their destiny was to fight in the Indian Wars. The Indians called these soldiers of color: Buffalo Soldiers, not just by their color but by their bravery as they won 19 of its members in the highest distinction i.e. 'The Congressional Medal of Honor.'

Although regiments of black soldiers of their officers were white, they were being vetoed by men of color control till 1978. During the 2nd World War it was decided to use a division formed to complete pro troop of color, a division heiress of the "Buffalo Soldiers”, the 92nd Infantry Division consisting of colored troops and white officers, continuing segregation policy, which prevented the formation of mixed regiments of colored soldiers and white. During the summer of 1944 the Division was coming to the front in Italy in small groups, assigning a sector at Christmas quiet front in northern Italy, where the remnants of the German army tried to avoid crossing the Alps of the allied army and its entry in Austria (Leckie & Leckie, 2007).

The deployment area of the Division covered the flank Left 5th allied army from the Ligurian Sea to the valley of the river Serchio, an area in front quiet but dangerous, because if the lines were broke the Germans could ...