Hello, all I hope all of you are well. First let me say it is good for us to talk about this subject because there is so much misinformation going about this subject. You state that these units did what they did with less and inferior supplies, equipment and appreciation? Could you back that statement up with any fact's! That statement you made about the desertion rate is correct, but about the highest number of Congressional Medals Honor is not as a matter of fact the 9th cavalry recipients were 10, the 10th cavalry, 6 and the 24th Infantry, 4 Seminole Scouts, 4. It is true that they served under some bad condition such as racism and I don't think that anyone is questioning there valor, courage, persistence, patriotism, deeds, and honor. The issue for us as historians is to look beyond the fiction and understand the facts! Our grandfathers were great Americans but what was it that made them such?

Best Regards

Anthony

Tellpot@aol.com wrote:
Not sure what generated the reply that I received, but I would to reiterate this without taking credit from any unit or any American--regardless of who did what and how much a particular unit did or did not do--the Buffalo Soldiers units did what they did and did it well-WITH LESS AND INFERIOR SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION.

In my opinion, if you run the 100 yard dash in 9.0 seconds with two good legs and track shoes that is certainly a worthwhile achievement. However, if I run the same 100 yards in 8.9 seconds-and I did it without shoes and with a sprained anchor-then I ask-which achievement is more significant and more worthy of praise and recognition.

I conclude with one documented reference found in the Army/Navy Journal regarding an inter-unit marksmanship competition that the Buffalo Soldiers units participated in. Their scores were so high that one commander of a white unit accused them of cheating.

Furthermore, when you consider that the Buffalo Soldiers had the lowest desertion rate and highest number of Congressional Medals of Honor inspite of the harsh conditions they served under-and inspite of the racism they consistently faced---one would have to say when the final tally is added up--that the valor, courage, persistence, patriotism, deeds, and honor of the Buffalo Soldiers is UNSURPASSED by any measurements. May the spirit of the Buffalo Soldiers continue to ride with each of us as we travel back in history to bring these unique cadre of men their just recognition and reward today and tomorrow. Let us continue the dialog. DO NOT STOP LETTING MIRAMAX KNOW THAT THE RECENTLY RELEASED FILM ENTITLED BUFFALO SOLDIER is demeaning and disrespectful to legacy of these men and one woman.

Carlton G. Philpot, Chairman and Project Director, Buffalo Soldier Educational and Historical Committee.