WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today on the 159^th anniversary of the creation of the original six all-Black regiments, Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) andSenator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced bipartisan legislation to honor the Buffalo Soldiers’ service and contributions to our country with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award given by Congress. 

“The Buffalo Soldiers served our nation selflessly in uniform and in the face of racial discrimination, and it is long-past time we honor them with a Congressional Gold Medal,” said Senator Kim. “I’ve had the privilege of hearing personal experiences from Buffalo Soldier veterans in New Jersey and am committed to making sure more Americans learn their story. As we look toward the 250^th anniversary of our nation next year, let’s uplift the service and heroes who got us here, and recognize our Buffalo Soldiers for their invaluable impact on the course of history.” 

“Having been raised in a military family, I know firsthand the sacrifices made by those in uniform. The Buffalo Soldiers were instrumental in integrating Black Americans into our armed forces and served valiantly in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and I’m proud to lead the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act and commemorate their heroic actions,” said Chairman Scott. 

The first six all-Black regiments were created by Congress in 1866 and consolidated into four regiments in 1869. Over the course of 85 years, 40,000 Buffalo Soldiers served in a variety of peacetime and combat roles. The regiments helped guard U.S. mail in the Western frontier, protect settlers, and served as our first national park rangers, as well as served in military operations during the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Created during a time of segregation in the U.S. military and over their decades of service, the Buffalo Soldiers faced bigotry and discrimination and broke down barriers for future generations as they demanded civil rights. 

The Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the four Buffalo Soldier regiments, in recognition of their service to the United States and to honor their lasting impact breaking down racial barriers in the military. The medal would be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. 

The legislation is endorsed by the 24th Infantry Regiment Combat Team (IRCT) and the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars (NJ VFW) and was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this congress by Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Herb Conaway (NJ-03). Full text of the bill is available here. 

“The fierceness and tenacity of the Buffalo Soldiers underscored their essential role as patriots who influenced our nation,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “Approximately 40,000 Buffalo Soldiers fought to protect American freedoms and ideals, even as they faced discrimination as Black Americans who served our nation. It is well past time to honor and thank them posthumously with a much-deserved Congressional Gold Medal.” 

“The Buffalo Soldiers embodied resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service in the face of injustice,” said Congressman Conaway. “Their sacrifices helped shape our nation’s history, and I am proud to represent the 24th Infantry Regimental Combat Team. For the men and women who made up the Buffalo Soldier regiments, it is long past time that we recognize their valor with a Congressional Gold Medal. This legislation ensures that their legacy is honored and remembered for generations to come, and I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.” 

“I want to thank Senators Andy Kim and Tim Scott for sponsoring this bill to award us the Congressional Gold Medal. We earned it! We fought with courage, discipline and honor; many were wounded, some died in combat to ensure that South Korea would be a free people and a democratic nation. We were the most decorated unit to serve in Korea. The Legacy of their sacrifice will live on through the award of this medal and inspire generations to come,” said National President James Thompson, 24^th IRCT. 

“The Department of New Jersey VFW proudly supports the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, an overdue tribute to their steadfast dedication, courage, and service in shaping our nation’s military history with honor and distinction. As always, the VFW stands in strong support of all who have worn the uniform in service to our nation,” said Commander Luddie H. Austin, Department of the NJ VFW. 

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