The 24th Infantry Regiment holds a unique place in U.S. military history as one of the original units of the famed Buffalo Soldiers—African American troops who served with distinction despite facing systemic racism. Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, the regiment's journey spans multiple conflicts, periods of segregation and desegregation, and its eventual reactivation in modern times. This article explores the regiment’s history, its role in various wars, and its legacy today.
Formation and Early Years (1869-1898)
The 24th Infantry Regiment was officially formed on November 1, 1869, as part of the U.S. Army's reorganization following the Civil War. It was composed of Black soldiers, many of whom were veterans of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and led primarily by white officers. Alongside the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 25th Infantry, the 24th Infantry Regiment became part of the Buffalo Soldiers, a nickname given to Black troops by Native American tribes they fought during the Indian Wars.
During the late 19th century, the regiment was stationed in the western United States, where it was tasked with maintaining order, protecting settlers, and fighting in various skirmishes against Native American tribes. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 24th endured harsh conditions and discrimination but built a reputation for discipline and effectiveness.
The Spanish-American War (1898)
In 1898, the 24th Infantry was deployed to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. The regiment distinguished itself in key battles, particularly at San Juan Hill, where it fought alongside Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. The bravery of the Black soldiers helped challenge racial stereotypes, but their contributions were often overshadowed in mainstream narratives.
The Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898)
One of the most notable engagements involving the 24th Infantry was the Battle of San Juan Hill, part of the larger Battle of Santiago de Cuba. On July 1, 1898, American forces launched a massive assault on Spanish defensive positions atop San Juan Hill and Kettle Hill, key strategic points overlooking Santiago.
As the attack began, U.S. troops had to cross an open field under intense Spanish rifle and artillery fire. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 24th played a critical role in the charge up the hill, using their disciplined fire to provide cover for advancing troops.
Several accounts credit Black soldiers from the 24th Infantry and 10th Cavalry with helping turn the tide of battle. They provided suppressing fire, advanced through heavy resistance, and helped capture enemy trenches. Their courage and effectiveness allowed Roosevelt’s Rough Riders and other units to press forward and seize San Juan Hill.
Despite their bravery, Black soldiers of the 24th Infantry and other Buffalo Soldier units received little recognition at the time. Theodore Roosevelt, who famously led the Rough Riders, later acknowledged in his writings that the Buffalo Soldiers had saved his men from being overrun. However, official commendations and medals were disproportionately awarded to white soldiers. One notable soldier from the 24th Infantry, Private T.C. Butler, was cited for extraordinary bravery under fire. However, no Black soldier from the 24th received the Medal of Honor for their actions in Cuba.
Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902)
Following their service in the Spanish-American War, the 24th Infantry Regiment was deployed to the Philippines in 1899 as part of the U.S. military campaign to suppress the Philippine insurrection. The conflict, known as the Philippine-American War, arose after Filipino revolutionaries, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, resisted U.S. occupation, seeking full independence. The 24th Infantry, along with other Buffalo Soldier units, was assigned to combat guerrilla forces operating in the dense jungles and mountainous terrain of the islands. Despite harsh conditions, disease, and the challenges of counterinsurgency warfare, the regiment distinguished itself in several engagements, using their discipline and combat experience from Cuba to effectively engage Filipino fighters.
Throughout the campaign, soldiers of the 24th Infantry conducted patrols, defended supply lines, and engaged in skirmishes with Filipino forces. Their experience in previous wars helped them adapt to the guerrilla tactics used by the insurgents, but they also faced moral dilemmas. Many Black soldiers identified with the Filipino people's struggle against oppression and resented the racist policies they encountered within the U.S. military. Some members of the regiment reportedly voiced opposition to the war, and a few even defected to the Filipino side, most notably David Fagen, a former Buffalo Soldier who became an officer in Aguinaldo’s army. Despite these tensions, the 24th Infantry played a significant role in securing American control over the islands, participating in key battles and pacification efforts before being withdrawn from the Philippines in the early 1900s. Their service, though largely overlooked in mainstream history, reflected both the complexities of American imperialism and the resilience of Black soldiers serving in a segregated military.
Early 20th Century and World War I (1902-1941)
After returning from the Philippines, the regiment was stationed in various locations, including Texas, where it was involved in the 1917 Houston Riot. This event was sparked by racial tensions between Black soldiers and white civilians and resulted in deadly violence and subsequent court-martials of Black troops. The Houston Riot cast a shadow over the 24th Infantry and reinforced racial segregation in the military.
During World War I, the 24th Infantry did not see combat in Europe, as the U.S. military chose to keep Black combat units from frontline service in most cases. However, its soldiers continued serving in stateside security and logistical roles.
World War II and the Pacific Theater (1941-1945)
During World War II, the 24th Infantry was stationed in the Pacific, participating in the liberation of the Philippines in 1944-1945. The regiment engaged in fierce combat, earning a commendable record despite continued racial discrimination within the military. The regiment’s contributions to the war effort helped further the argument for desegregation of the armed forces.
Korean War and the Challenges of Integration (1950-1951)
The Korean War (1950-1953) was a defining chapter for the 24th Infantry. The regiment was one of the first American units to arrive in Korea, engaging in early battles against North Korean and Chinese forces. However, the regiment faced internal struggles, including poor leadership, systemic racism, and allegations of cowardice—claims that have since been widely reassessed as the result of racial bias and unfair treatment.
Despite these challenges, many individual soldiers of the 24th demonstrated immense bravery, such as Sergeant Cornelius Charlton, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in battle. However, by 1951, the U.S. Army had decided to disband the regiment as part of its broader efforts to integrate Black and white soldiers into the same units following President Harry Truman’s Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the armed forces.
Reactivation and Modern Service (1995-Present)
The 24th Infantry Regiment was reactivated in 1995 as part of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. As part of the Global War on Terror (GWOT), the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment played a significant role in combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the battalion was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, in 2004-2005, where it engaged in intense urban combat against insurgent forces, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The battalion was instrumental in major counterinsurgency efforts, conducting raids, securing key infrastructure, and working alongside Iraqi security forces to stabilize the region. In 2011-2012, the battalion deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), operating in the country’s rugged terrain to counter Taliban insurgents. The unit also participated in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq from 2019-2020, focusing on defeating the remnants of ISIS and assisting local forces in maintaining security.
As of February 2025, the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment remains the sole active battalion of the regiment. It is assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. This battalion continues the regiment's legacy, participating in various training exercises and maintaining readiness for potential deployments.
Legacy and Impact
The 24th Infantry Regiment remains an essential part of U.S. military history. It represents the struggles and achievements of Black soldiers who fought with distinction while facing systemic racism and segregation. The regiment’s story also reflects the broader struggle for equality within the U.S. armed forces, from the days of the Buffalo Soldiers to today’s fully integrated military.
