I hope you are enjoying this week’s threads…
Moses Williams (October 10, 1845 – August 23, 1899) was a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army and a recipient of America’s highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Indian Wars of the western United States.
Williams joined the newly formed 9th Cavalry in October 1866. Having been illiterate before joining the army, he learned to read and write, reaching the rank of First Sergeant just two years later.
By August 16, 1881, Williams was serving in Company I of the 9th Cavalry Regiment. On that day he participated in the Battle of Cuchillo Negro Creek in the Black Range Mountains near Cuchillo Negro Creek of New Mexico. For his actions during the battle, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor fifteen years later, on November 12, 1896. His Lieutenant, George Ritter Burnett, and Private Augustus Walley also received the Medal of Honor for their actions in this battle.
Williams became one of the first African-American Ordnance Sergeants in 1886 and starting in 1895, served at Fort Stevens, Oregon, where he was charged with the care of large coastal gun emplacements. He retired in May 1898 due to health issues and died the next year at the age of 53. Williams only had nine books, a pipe, a cigar holder, some stamps, a pen, pen points, his bed, some chairs, some neckties, and $23 to his name. He was buried in Fort Vancouver Military Cemetery, Vancouver, Washington.
First Sergeant Williams’ official Medal of Honor citation reads:
Rallied a detachment, skillfully conducted a running flight of 3 or 4 hours, and by his coolness, bravery, and unflinching devotion to duty in standing by his commanding officer in an exposed position under a heavy fire from a large party of Indians saved the lives of at least 3 of his comrades.