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This information follows several of the actions of the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry.
Many of the men in this regiment were originally only to be used for drilling and labor purposes much like many other African American regiments. Many white soldiers constantly taunted the African American soldiers or would steal their hats, horses and other belongings but the colored soldiers never made a remark back. Under the command of several white officers known as Colonel Ratliff and Colonel Wade the 400 soldiers marched toward the enemy troops to engage in combat with 100 others left behind due to disease. As the combat progressed the African American soldiers began to push forward. In the end 114 cavalry units had been killed along with 4 officers. Though the colored troops held the area for 2 hours they eventually had to withdraw from the battle due to lack of ammunition. Their bravery was unmatched in the face of danger.
This is a true story about the courage and the heart of the African American soldiers in the Civil War. There are many other battles and tragedies these men endured while fighting for their freedom. Over 180,000 African American soldiers joined the Civil War.
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