Congresswoman Barbara Lee Annnounces Introduction of Bill to Promote Buffalo Soldier, Colonel Charles Young Posthumously
Media Contact: Joel Payne, (202) 225- 2661
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced the introduction of a bill calling for the honorary promotion of Colonel Charles Young to the grade of Brigadier General. Colonel Young was born to former slaves in 1864, and in 1998 became the third African-American cadet to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He had combat commands during the Philippine Insurrection and General Pershing’s Punitive Expedition, during which his courageous actions under fire resulted in the rescue of the 13th Cavalry. At the outset of the First World War, Colonel Young was the highest ranking African-American in the United States Army.
“As we celebrate the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, it is particularly fitting to honor the service of ‘the Golden Buffalo,’ Colonel Charles Young,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Colonel Young was a true trailblazer; in a time when the obstacles he faced due to the color of his skin seemed insurmountable, his achievements were astounding. I can think of no better way to honor his service, than with an honorary promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.”
Over the course of his thirty-two year career, Colonel Young distinguished himself numerous times as an administrator, as a soldier, and as a combat officer, and became the first black military attaché, the first black Superintendant of a National Park, and the first black soldier promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel.
The call for renewed recognition of the contributions of Colonel Young and the Buffalo Soldiers has been led by the National Veterans Coalition, founded in 2008, and the National Minority Military Museum Foundation.
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