"When there is peace, the warlike man attacks himself"

Augustus Walley (top row, 4th from right with the bandana around his neck), a former slave, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The 24th Infantry (The Buffalo Soldiers) was first commissioned on November 1869. From 1869 to 1898, the 24th Infantry comprised of both free men and former slaves, served throughout the Western United States serving on some of the most dangerous roles; guarding posts, fighting Indians, and protecting roadways against bandits. Their name was given to them by the Indians as a measure of their heart. In 1898 the 24th Infantry was deployed to Cuba and participated in the famed Charge up San Juan Hill, this event is responsible for solidifying the reputation of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders into national media attention.
On this day in 1917 a riot took place in Houston Texas after the police beat two of the regiment’s soldiers to death. After two hours of violence by soldiers seeking revenge 15 whites including four policemen are killed, 12 more are injured, and four soldiers die. However in one in one of our proudest moments, in court martials held in secret, 19 more soldiers are later executed, no police were ever held accountable for their actions.
The 24th infantry was later highly decorated for its participation in; Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tinian, Bougainville, Okinawa, and Korea.