Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro Image: Bronze Plaque mounted on a sculpture base, it says: "BUFFALO SOLIDERS" "In 1866, following the American Civil War, Congress created six all-African American Army units, which later merged into four (9th and 10th Cavalry -24th and 25th Infantry Regiments). Composed of former slaves, freemen, and black Civil War veterans, these units helped settle the West by escorting and protecting settlers, cattle drives, and railroad crews and tracks during westward expansion. The 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments also conducted campaigns against American Indian tribes on the western frontier. They fought in over 175 engagements. Their combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and appearance on the battlefield inspired the Indians to call them "Buffalo Soldiers" symbolizing their respect for the soldiers' bravery and valor. Through the years, Buffalo Soldiers have continued to wear this name with pride. The last segregated black regiment to see combat was deactivated in 1951. "Buffalo Soldier" has become a generic term for all African American Army soldiers, and their bravery has earned them an honored place in the U.S."
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro Image: A bronze plaque mounted on the sculpture base that says: " 1st LIEUTENANT VERNON J. BAKER Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on December 17, 1919 Vernon Baker would become the last of online World War II African Americans to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School, Baker served in an all black company that was part of the 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry. On April 5-6, 1945, near Castle Aghinolfi in northern Italy, Baker, with the assistance of his men, showed extraordinary heroism by destroying two enemy positions. He then covered the evacuation of his company's wounded by drawing enemy fire to his exposed position. The following night, he voluntarily led a battalion-sized assault against the enemy through minefields and heavy fire. In the end, Baker and his unit would kill 26 Germans, destroy 6 machine gun nests, 2 observation posts, and 4 dugouts in this predawn battle. Baker earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross while becoming one of the most highly decorated African American soldiers serving in the Mediterranean Theater. Army Magazine On January 13, 1997, 52 years after his World War II military service, President Bill Clinton presented Vernon Baker with the Medal of Honor, the Nation's highest decoration for battlefield valor. Baker was literally the last WWII Buffalo Soldier to be so recognized."
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro Image: A bronze plaque mounted on the sculpture base that says: "Donors Howard & Peggy Hutchings Dr. & Mrs. Rudolph Gomez Larry Jackson P. J. Ross® Taylor & Elisabeth Haynes Trisha Taveor Colonel Oswaldo Y. Mullins Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee Civilian Advisory Council F. E. Warren AFB John & Patty Tresco Carol Jennings Mayor & Mrs. Jack Spiker Wyoming Governor’s Residence Mr. & Mrs. Lee Courtney Louise Raimondi Cheyenne City Council Art in Public Places Committee Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Robert R. Scott"
Buffalo Solider by Chris Navarro

Artist: Chris Navarro x

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Donated by:
Howard & Peggy Hutchings, Dr. & Mrs. Rudolph Gomez, Larry Jackson, P. J. Ross®, Taylor & Elisabeth Haynes, Trisha Taveor, Colonel Oswaldo Y. Mullins, Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, Civilian Advisory Council F. E. Warren AFB, John & Patty Tresco, Carol Jennings, Mayor & Mrs. Jack Spiker, Wyoming Governor’s Residence, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Courtney, Louise Raimondi, Cheyenne City Council, Art in Public Places Committee, Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Robert R. Scott

  • Subject Matter: Portrait
  • Current Location: 3204 McComb Ave.
  • Collections: Public Bronzes

Other Work From Cheyenne/Laramie County Public Art and artist Chris Navarro

Buffalo Nation by Chris Navarro
Bolt From the Blue by Chris Navarro
Prince of the Forest by Chris Navarro
Family Ties by Chris Navarro
Mittens by Chris Navarro
Champion Lane Frost by Chris Navarro
See all artwork from Cheyenne/Laramie County Public Art