Last Of The Black Regulars

This study reviews the history of the black regular army infantry regiments formed after the civil war. It tracks the origins, movements, deployments and campaigns of the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments from Ft. McKavett, Texas in 1869 to Chipo-ri, Korea, in 1951. The black infantry soldiers played important roles in the westward expansion of this nation and in its overseas wars over the next 80 years. The black infantry faced these challenges, along with an enemy uniquely theirs groundless discrimination and prejudice, within and outside the Army. Even when they were employed in combat roles their service went unrecognized. Yet they won the respect and praise of those who fought beside them. The years of prejudice and discrimination, along with a changing Army and a war America was not prepared for, proved to be the adversaries the last black regiment could not overcome. This study analyzes the factors that contributed to these black units successes and/or failures in performance, morale, and efforts. It concludes with speculation about whether these findings can be applied to understanding, developing, and improving today's Army.