What's New At the Memorial

Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal

to the Buffalo Soldiers

It Is Time!

The black pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.  The Black marines of Montfort Point received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.  In 2022, the all Black female unit, 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

However, the black soldiers, known as the “Buffalo Soldiers,” have yet to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Even though legislation to award the medal to the Buffalo Soldier has been introduced in recent congressional sessions including this year, the bill has not received the number of co-sponsors it needs to bring it to a vote. 

It is time the current bill, H.R. 1437 – Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, receive the needed number of co-sponsors, be brought up for a vote, passed, and moved to the Senate for their approval.

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions awarded by the United States Congress.  Since it was first awarded to George Washington in 1776, the Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded to soldiers, inventors, actors, musicians, writers, public servants and athletes. 

Bestowing Congress’ highest expression of national achievement to the Buffalo Soldiers honors their sacrifices made during major conflicts including Western expansion, Spanish-American War, Philippines War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War as well as their role in protecting our national parks. 

One of the goals of the Greater Southern Arizona Area Chapter in this endeavor, is to have the entire Arizona Congressional Delegation to co-sponsor H.R.1437, so it can be approved in the U.S. House and sent to the U.S. Senate for final approval. 

Please visit our chapter web site, www.az910hcav.org, click on the Buffalo Soldier Congressional Gold Medal link on our front page to download a letter of support to send to members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation to co-sponsor H.R. 1437!