Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) submitted a statement to the Congressional Record on Tuesday that honors the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers regiment, particularly the leadership of Col. Charles Young who died in 1923.
Young was the third African-American to graduate from West Point in 1889 and became a distinguished officer in the Army. He led military intelligence techniques and commanded troops in combat in the Spanish-American War and the Mexican expedition against Pancho Villa.
During the Spanish-American War, Young commanded a squadron of the 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers in Cuba. He continued to serve with the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries and the 25th Infantry.
Young was a resident in Turner’s community in Southwest Ohio. After his service, he taught as a professor of military science at Wilberforce University, Ohio.
His home was recently designated the Colonel Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument by President Barack Obama.
Turner is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the House Historic Preservation Caucus.
“Today the House will continue to honor the legacy and leadership of the Buffalo Soldiers,” Turner said. “Colonel Charles Young stands out as a shining example of the dedication, service, and commitment of the Buffalo Soldiers throughout United States and world history.”