| Thompkins, a soldier from the 10th Cavalry earned the Congressional
Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Spanish-American War. He and
three others from his outfit made a daring rescue of wounded Americans
at Tayabacoe, Cuba. After three failed attempts by members of other units,
Thompkins and his comrades rowed a boat ashore, where they faced heavy
Spanish fire. They returned to their transport ship, and none of the rescuers
nor the wounded lost their lives. African-American warriors, including
one sailor, won six Medal's of Honor during the War with Spain.
Native Americans warriors named the African American troops they fought
of the 9th and 10th Cavalries (as well as the 24th and 25th Infantry) "Buffalo
Soldiers" during the Indian Wars.
Buffalo Soldiers of the 19th Century passed through the Presidio on
their way to the Phillipines, and also patrolled the western national parks.
Formed after the Civil War, these regiments saw battle from Kansas to
Texas and New Mexico, and were known for their fighting tenacity. The most
famous of the 10th Cavalry commanders, Gen. John Pershing, called them
"among the finest soldiers I have ever commanded." Thompkins is buried
in West Side, Grave 1036A. |
Presidio's Buffalo Soldiers 
