Buffalo Soldier Spanish-American War Poster

The Buffalo Soldier Spanish-American War Poster commemorates their contribution during the War with Spain in 1898.  All four Buffalo Soldier regiments played a crucial role . By this time, the Buffalo Soldiers—once seen as intruders on the western frontier by Native American and frontier settlements alike—had earned their reputation as heroes, becoming an indispensable part of the U.S. Army. When the Army mustered all available forces to assault Cuba, the Buffalo Soldiers were among those called to action.

On June 22, 1898, the 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments landed in Cuba and soon found themselves fighting alongside Col. Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. This unexpected pseudo-integration proved pivotal just two days later at the Battle of Las Guasimas. During the engagement, the Rough Riders charged headlong into a deadly “kill zone” where entrenched Spanish riflemen pinned down their unit. The 10th Cavalry, demonstrating tactical brilliance and bravery, flanked the Spanish positions, forcing their retreat and rescuing the Rough Riders from disaster. This act of heroism made headlines across the United States and underscored the Buffalo Soldiers’ critical role in the campaign.

The Buffalo Soldiers’ contributions did not end there. While the Rough Riders received much of the glory for the July 1, 1898, assault on San Juan and Kettle Hills, the attack’s success was largely due to the Buffalo Soldiers. The Spanish infantry, well-entrenched on the San Juan Heights, held a commanding position over Santiago. The geography and lack of effective American artillery necessitated a bold frontal assault.

Recognizing the perilous nature of the mission, the 10th Cavalry and the 24th Infantry, both Buffalo Soldier units, volunteered to lead the final charge. Racing across open terrain under relentless enemy fire, their speed and determination minimized casualties and inspired their fellow soldiers. As the 10th Cavalry pressed the attack on San Juan Hill, the Rough Riders followed their lead, assaulting the smaller Kettle Hill in support.

This collective effort broke the Spanish defenses, leading to a decisive American victory and ultimately securing Santiago. The bravery and sacrifice of the Buffalo Soldiers during these battles were instrumental, even though their contributions were often overshadowed by the fame of the Rough Riders.

“White regiments, black regiments, regulars, and Rough Riders, representing the young manhood of the North and the South, fought shoulder to shoulder, unmindful of race or color, unmindful of whether commanded by an ex-Confederate or not, and mindful only of their common duty as Americans.”

— 1st Lt. (later General of the Armies) John “Black Jack” Pershing commenting in November 1898 on the unity he witnessed during the campaign in Cuba while leading part of the 10th Cavalry.

More reading of the war here:

https://www.thenmusa.org/articles/buffalo-soldiers/

https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/busospanamwar.htm

https://www.history.com/news/buffalo-soldiers-spanish-american-war-san-juan-hill-rough-riders