"The only White officer who supports the unit is Regimental Commanding Officer Colonel Benjamin Grierson. Ostracized by other officers for his enthusiastic command of the African-American troops, Grierson believes in the abilities, dedication, and record of performance of the Buffalo Soldiers and declines offers to lead at any other post. General Pike offers to relieve Grierson 'of this self-imposed exile and have him commanding a real cavalry regiment within a month,' but Grierson refuses"
THE ONLY WHITE OFFICER! GRIERSON. BENJAMIN GRIERSON. A REAL CAVALRY REGIMENT!
Grierson a distinguished cavalry command combat officer from the era of the American Civil War. And beyond that too in a way I was not aware of.
Grierson volunteering as an amateur at the onset of the American Civil War but showing his mettle even as a novice arrayed against professionals. The Grierson's Raids often cited as epitome of behind-the-lines unconventional warfare!
Post-bellum Grierson continuing his military career as a professional, forming distinct cavalry units of what was termed Colored Troops. Buffalo Soldiers. Racial segregation in the U.S. Army at the time institutionalized.
WHITE OFFICERS AS HAVING TO SERVE IN COLORED UNITS THOUGHT TO HAVE THE WORST DUTY IN THE U.S. ARMY. BUT NOT GRIERSON. THE MAN APPARENTLY RELISHING THE TASK. GRIERSON HIS ABILITY AND PROFICIENCY AT THE OPERATIONAL ART CONTINUING TO EXCEED THE NORM DURING THAT PERIOD OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN WARS.
Colored Troops a significant and vital component of American military during the time of settlement of the Old West.
coolbert.