Brown Seeks Congressional Medal Honoring The Buffalo Soldiers
Press Release
Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), a senior Black member on the House Armed Service Committee and House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, introduced the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021to award a Congressional Gold medal to the legendary all-Black Buffalo soldier regiments. Authorized in 1866 by Congress to serve in the Armed Forces, these all Black regiments served in major conflicts including Western expansion, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
The nickname, "Buffalo soldier," came from American Indians during the regiments' deployments to the western frontier. As the first peacetime all-Black regiments in the U.S. Army, the Buffalo Soldiers fought alongside white regiments in many conflicts and were instrumental in the exploration of the western United States. These regiments went on to serve in World War I and World War II with distinction and honor.
The Buffalo soldier regiments played an important role in the early history of America's national parks. As stewards of the land, they created early park trails, built roads, produced maps, drove out trespassing livestock, extinguished fires and kept poachers and loggers at bay.
While serving during a time of segregation in the United States military, the Buffalo soldiers broke barriers for the African American servicemembers who would follow in their footsteps. They faced discrimination, but nevertheless met that bigotry with bravery and love of country.
"The proud tradition of African-Americans in our military can, in many ways, be traced back to the brave efforts of the Buffalo soldier regiments," said Congressman Anthony Brown, a 30-year Army veteran. "Buffalo soldier regiments throughout the decades have exhibited exemplary courage and character both on and off the battlefield. Black veterans have helped shape this nation since our founding. The service of the Buffalo soldier regiments and their place in history as barrier breakers deserves to be honored."
Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) is an original cosponsor of this bill.
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