Four Buffalo Soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor (1899)

In June 1899, four Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal of Honor for rescuing a stranded landing party under fire during the Spanish–American War. These soldiers, members of U.S. Army regiments composed exclusively of Black Americans, became the last African-American recipients of the medal for over half a century.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Buffalo Soldiers were United States Army regiments composed exclusively of Black American soldiers, formed during the 19th century. These regiments participated in the 1898 Spanish–American War in Cuba, where five more Medals of Honor were earned. The men of the Buffalo Soldiers were the only African Americans that fought in Cuba during the war.

Legacy. The four men, all members of the Buffalo Soldiers, become the last African-Americans to be selected for the Medal of Honor for more than half a century. This recognition highlights their specific contribution during the Spanish–American War, distinct from earlier awards during the Indian Wars.

People involved

Sources

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