Black Valor - by Frank N Schubert (Paperback)

About the Book

They were U.S. Army soldiers. Just a few years earlier, some had been slaves. Several thousand African Americans served as soldiers in the Indian Wars and in the Cuban campaign of the Spanish-American War in the latter part of the nineteenth century. They were known as buffalo...

Book Synopsis

They were U.S. Army soldiers. Just a few years earlier, some had been slaves. Several thousand African Americans served as soldiers in the Indian Wars and in the Cuban campaign of the Spanish-American War in the latter part of the nineteenth century. They were known as buffalo soldiers, believed to have been named by Indians who had seen a similarity between the coarse hair and dark skin of the soldiers and the coats of the buffalo. Twenty-three of these men won the nation's highest award for personal bravery, the Medal of Honor. Black Valor brings the lives of these soldiers into sharp focus. Their remarkable stories are told in the collected biography. Derived from extensive historical research, Black Valor will enrich and inspire readers with its tales of trials and courage.

Review Quotes

In Black Valor Schubert, the author of Buffalo Soldiers, Braves, and the Brass (1997), gives us an account of the black military experience from the end of the Civil War to the onset of the twentieth century, using the lives and service of the 23 African- Americans and Black Seminole Indian Scouts who were awarded the Medal Honor during the Indian Wars or the Spanish-American War. Schubert examines how the prevailing racism of the era influenced the service of black soldiers and the often
strong bonds they forged with their white officers. Nor does he neglect the non-military aspects of the lives of these 23, some of whom even attained commissioned status during or after the war with Spain. Whether black or white, the troops shared many common experiences, from the dull routine of garrison life to arduous long distance patrolling, and the occasional often terrifying Indian fight. A good read for anyone interested in the frontier army.


This book chronicles a very important part of our nation's history. It demonstrates in a clear and compelling fashion the substantial roles blacks have played in our nation's armed forces and in the defense of our country. It is enjoyable and educational.

Well written and informative. . . . Black Valor gives a vivid description of frontier warfare and the special challenges black troops had to face.

While some research has been done on the contributions of these African-American soldiers in campaigns against Native Americans in the West, no other work has lifted the veil of history that has previously obscured the extent of their valor.

About the Author

Frank N. Schubert is the author and editor of four books on buffalo soldiers. He retired in 2003 after twenty-seven years as a historian in the U.S. Department of Defense.