10th Cavalry Regiment (United States)

10th Cavalry Regiment (United States)
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Unit name	10th Cavalry Regiment
Caption	Coat of arms
Dates	1866–1944, 1958–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Cavalry
Size	Regiment
Nickname	"Buffalo Soldiers"
Motto	"Ready and Forward"
Battles	American Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, Mexican Border War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Iraq War
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation

10th Cavalry Regiment (United States) is one of the original Buffalo Soldier regiments formed by the United States Congress in 1866. It was established at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and served with distinction on the Western frontier, in the Spanish–American War, and through multiple 20th-century conflicts. The regiment's service is a significant chapter in the history of African Americans in the United States Armed Forces.

History

The regiment was activated on September 21, 1866, under the command of Colonel Benjamin Grierson. Its early years were spent in arduous service across the Great Plains, participating in the American Indian Wars and constructing frontier posts like Fort Sill in Indian Territory. The nickname "Buffalo Soldiers," reportedly given by Cheyenne and Comanche warriors, was embraced by the unit. In 1898, the regiment fought at the Battle of San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish–American War, where it served alongside Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Following this, it was deployed to the Philippines during the Philippine–American War and later patrolled the U.S.-Mexico border during the Mexican Revolution.

Organization

The 10th Cavalry was organized as a regiment of the United States Army's regular cavalry, originally composed of African American enlisted men commanded primarily by white officers. Its structure followed the standard regiment of the era, with twelve troops lettered A through M. Throughout its history, it was assigned to various higher commands, including the 4th Cavalry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Division. The regiment was inactivated in 1944 during World War II as part of the army's shift from horse to mechanized units, but was later reconstituted in 1958 as part of the United States Army Regimental System.

Combat Operations

The regiment's combat record spans numerous campaigns. On the frontier, it engaged in actions against the Apache and Comanche nations. In 1898, its charge up Kettle Hill was a pivotal action in the Battle of San Juan Hill. During the Philippine–American War, it conducted counter-insurgency operations on the islands of Samar and Leyte. In 1916, it participated in General John J. Pershing's Punitive Expedition into Mexico. In World War II, elements served as service troops, though the regiment itself was disbanded. Reactivated elements later saw service in the Vietnam War, and in the 21st century, squadrons of the 10th Cavalry served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Notable Members

Many soldiers of the 10th Cavalry achieved significant recognition. The first commander, Colonel Benjamin Grierson, was a celebrated Union Army cavalry leader from the American Civil War. Captain John J. Pershing, later General of the Armies, served with and praised the regiment, earning the nickname "Black Jack." Sergeant George Jordan received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in 1881 against the Apache at Fort Tularosa. Other Medal of Honor recipients from the regiment include Sergeant Thomas Shaw and Corporal Clinton Greaves. Lieutenant Henry O. Flipper, the first African American graduate of the United States Military Academy, was assigned to the 10th Cavalry.

Lineage and Honors

The lineage of the 10th Cavalry Regiment is maintained by the 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, which is currently part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. The regiment's honors include campaign participation credit for the Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine Insurrection, World War II, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Its decorations include a Presidential Unit Citation for the Battle of Pleiku in Vietnam, a Valorous Unit Award for service in Iraq, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation.