The Last Buffalo Soldier

The last hero of an era passes...

Mark Matthews, the oldest Buffalo Soldier, has died at the age of 111. He'll be buried Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Matthews joined the legendary unit of black cavalry troops in 1910 at the age of 16. He soon found himself serving under Gen. John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing in the Army's pursuit of Pancho Villa, the revolutionary from Mexico who was considered a bandit.

Matthews later served in the South Pacific during World War II, rising to the rank of 1st sergeant.

The Buffalo Soldiers were the first black military units assembled by the US government in peacetime. The name "Buffalo Soldier" was given to these units by the Indians they encountered. The exact reason is unclear, but it is thought that the nickname was given either because the soldiers' hair resembled a buffalo's mane or as a term of respect for their ruggedness in the wilderness and their fierce and brave fighting style.

In the western frontier, the Buffalo Soldiers fought in many battles against various Indian nations, protected mail routes, built roads, and scouted tens of thousands of miles of uncharted land. They served bravely in the Spanish-American War and were part of the famed taking of San Juan hill. They also served in actions against Mexico, which Mr. Matthews participated in, and in the Phillipine-American conflict.

The bravery of the Buffalo Soldiers blazed the trail for the many thousands of black Americans who served their country with honor and distinction. The Buffalo Soldier memorial in Leavenworth, KS was commemorated in 1992 by Gen. Colin Powell, then of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Author T. J. Stiles said of the dedication, "It was a fitting tribute, from a military that hesitated to accept African-Americans, learned to depend on them and, finally, under the leadership of a modern black soldier — has come to honor their memory."

Below is a listing of Buffalo Soldiers who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, 20 in total:
For more information visit The Buffalo Soldier National Museum.

9th Cavalry Regiment
Lieutenant George Burnett, First Sergeant Moses Williams, Sergeant Thomas Boyne, Sergeant John Denny, Sergeant George Jordan, Sergeant Henry Johnson, Sergeant Thomas Shaw, Sergeant Emanuel Stance, Sergeant Brent Woods, Corporal William Wilson, Corporal Clinton Greaves, Private Augusus Walley

10th Cavalry Regiment
Captain Louis Carpenter, Lieutenant Powhattan Clarke, Sergeant Major Edward Baker, Sergeant William McBryar, Private Dennis Bell, Private Lee Fitz, Private William Thompkins, Private George Wanton.