HOUSTON – They were warriors, trailblazers, and heroes whose contributions often went unrecognized. But their impact on history is undeniable.
This Black History Month, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is shining a light on the 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers, through a powerful new exhibit.
The exhibit showcases the history and sacrifice of the 92nd Infantry Division, the first all-Black combat division raised in the U.S. Army during World War I. It features historical artifacts, including rifles, uniform replicas, and medals of honor. One of the most remarkable pieces on display is a preserved M1917 Army helmet from World War I.
Cale Carter, Director of Exhibitions at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, explains the significance of this artifact.
“This helmet is well over 100 years old. And what’s interesting about this is that during World War I and a little bit after, you had where U.S. soldiers and soldiers from other countries kind of add, like, personal touches,” Carter explained. “Even though, like, when you would basically get this, you’d just be issued a standard piece of equipment, soldiers would add personal touches that either kind of pay homage to their unit or, in, like, the case of this, try to blend in, but also have those personal touches. So right here is the M1917 helmet, but when you look closely, you notice it kind of has, like, these hand-painted camouflage patterns, and it’s kind of difficult to see, but when you look at the front, there’s kind of a circle, and within that circle is a buffalo.”
During World War II, the 92nd Infantry Division was deployed to Italy, where they formed strong bonds with local civilians and partisans fighting against German forces. Despite facing racial discrimination within the U.S. Army, the division gained the respect of the Italian people.
“The local Italian civilians saw them as liberators. But you also had Italian partisans who were resisting against the Italians who sided with the Germans in World War II,” Carter said. “And those partisans would fight alongside the soldiers of the 92nd. But as the war dragged to a close, and as the U.S. Army began to kind of occupy Italy, the relationship, in a way, would sour in some cases. So, because, like, basically, U.S. Army would occupy areas, there would be issues that would come up, such as crimes and even accusations of rape and stuff like that. And oftentimes, you would see even where white soldiers were.”
One of the division’s most notable battles took place in December 1944 in Serchio Valley, where they launched an attack against German forces just before Christmas. Harsh winter conditions, rugged terrain, and poor leadership from white officers made the battle even more difficult. Still, the Buffalo Soldiers fought with remarkable bravery.
Carter highlighted the heroism of one soldier in particular.
“One of the recipients from the 92nd, I think his name was John Fox. He earned the Medal of Honor during this period because he was in a town they got overran,” he said. “And he literally called artillery on himself and basically sacrificed himself in the, basically, the forward observation group he was with to, basically, eliminate those Germans that were trying to take the town.”
Despite their contributions, the Buffalo Soldiers returned home to continued segregation and discrimination. Unlike white soldiers, many Black veterans of the 92nd Infantry Division were denied full GI Bill benefits and the recognition they deserved. However, their service helped pave the way for military desegregation in 1948 under President Truman’s Executive Order 9981.
As Carter reflects on the exhibit, he hopes younger generations take away a deeper understanding of history’s complexities.
“Pretty much that when it comes to this history,” he explained. “History is a very nuanced subject. And also when you study this history, you start finding how certain things are interconnected and explain why things are the way they are today.”
The exhibit is now open at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, offering a rare glimpse into the legacy of the 92nd Infantry Division and the impact of Black soldiers in American history. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Thursday, admission is free from 1 pm. to 5 p.m.
To learn more about the exhibition and museum, click here Exhibits – Buffalo Soldiers National Museum