They were U.S. Army soldiers. Just a few years earlier, some had been slaves. Several thousand African Americans served as soldiers in the Indian Wars and in the Cuban campaign of the Spanish-American War in the latter part of the nineteenth century. They were known as buffalo soldiers, believed to have been named by Indians who had seen a similarity between the coarse hair and dark skin of the soldiers and the coats of the buffalo. Twenty-three of these men won the nation's highest award for personal bravery, the Medal of Honor. Black Valor brings the lives of these soldiers into sharp focus. Their remarkable stories are told in the collected biography. Derived from extensive historical research, Black Valor will enrich and inspire students with its tales of trials and courage.Frank N. Schubert is the author and editor of four books on buffalo soldiers. He retired in 2003 after twenty-seven years as a historian in the U.S. Department of Defense.
While some research has been done on the contributions of these African-American soldiers in campaigns against Native Americans in the West, no other work has lifted the veil of history that has previously obscured the extent of their valor. Journal Of Negro History
Well written and informative. . . .Black Valorgives a vivid description of frontier warfare and the special challenges black troops had to face. Military History
This book chronicles a very important part of our nation's history. It demonstrates in a clear and compelling fashion the substantial roles blacks have played in our nation's armed forces and in the defense of our country. It is enjoyable and educational. Walter E. Massey, former president, Morehouse College
Chapter 1: Two Traditions: The Medal of Honor and Black Valor
Chapter 2: Emanuel Stance and the Emergence of the Black Professional Soldier
Chapter 3: The Seminole Negro Scouts
Chapter 4: The Apache Wars, 18771879
Chapter 5: Henry Johnló-