Memoirs of a World War II Buffalo Soldier

In a recently published memoir written over 60 years ago, veteran James Daugherty details his experiences as an African-American in combat

  • By Abby Callard
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James Pat Daugherty Buffalo Soldier
James "Pat" Daugherty, 85, served in the Army's storied 92nd Infantry Division, which was made up almost entirely of African-Americans. (Molly Roberts)

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The Buffalo Saga

by James Harden Daugherty
Xlibris, 2009


On his dining room table James “Pat” Daugherty had arranged some old faded photographs from his Army days, his Bronze Star, a copy of his recently published World War II memoir, The Buffalo Saga, and his olive-drab steel helmet, marred near the visor by a chunk of now-rusted iron.

“If you feel the inside of the helmet, you can see how close it was,” he says of the shrapnel from a German mortar that struck the young private in Italy in the fall of 1944. A few more millimeters, and he might never have lived to write his memoir, which is what I went to his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, to learn about.

Daugherty, 85, served in the Army’s storied 92nd Infantry Division, which was made up almost entirely of African-Americans and was the last racially segregated unit in the U.S. armed forces. Known as the Buffalo Soldiers—a name that Native Americans had bestowed on a black cavalry unit after the Civil War—men of the 92nd division were among the only African-Americans to see combat in Europe, battling German troops in Italy. In 1948, President Truman issued an executive order that ended racial segregation in the military.

Daugherty, drafted at age 19, was so deeply affected by his two years in the division that he wrote an account of the experience soon after he returned home in 1947. He self-published the story this year, virtually unchanged from the manuscript he had scribbled in longhand. The Buffalo Saga promises to be a significant addition to the history of African-American troops in World War II because it was written by a participant almost immediately following the events in question, rather than recollected or reconstructed years later.

Daugherty says he put pen to paper because friends and family members were always asking, “ ‘What did you do when you were over there?’ ”

Years ago he tried once to find a publisher, with no success. “I think the content was too caustic,” says Dorothy, his wife of 59 years.

The Buffalo Saga is indeed a raw, unvarnished, often angry account of a decorated young soldier’s encounter with institutionalized racial prejudice. Once, while fighting in Italy in 1945, another soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division said his company had lost too many men to continue fighting. Daugherty asked why the officers couldn’t just call up replacements. “Look, bud, they don’t train colored soldiers to fight,” the soldier told Daugherty. “They train them to load ships, and you don’t expect them to put white boys in a Negro outfit, do you? What do you think this is, a democracy or something?”

Daugherty’s memoir also recalls the time a black soldier got shipped out to the front lines in Italy after confronting a white officer. Word was the officer had threatened to send him where he’d get his “smart Negro brains” blown out. “I merely wondered how many men were here to be punished because they had dared to express a desire to be treated like men,” Daugherty writes.

But the book isn’t a screed. It’s an honest, even poignant account of a young man fighting in a war.


On his dining room table James “Pat” Daugherty had arranged some old faded photographs from his Army days, his Bronze Star, a copy of his recently published World War II memoir, The Buffalo Saga, and his olive-drab steel helmet, marred near the visor by a chunk of now-rusted iron.

“If you feel the inside of the helmet, you can see how close it was,” he says of the shrapnel from a German mortar that struck the young private in Italy in the fall of 1944. A few more millimeters, and he might never have lived to write his memoir, which is what I went to his home in Silver Spring, Maryland, to learn about.

Daugherty, 85, served in the Army’s storied 92nd Infantry Division, which was made up almost entirely of African-Americans and was the last racially segregated unit in the U.S. armed forces. Known as the Buffalo Soldiers—a name that Native Americans had bestowed on a black cavalry unit after the Civil War—men of the 92nd division were among the only African-Americans to see combat in Europe, battling German troops in Italy. In 1948, President Truman issued an executive order that ended racial segregation in the military.

Daugherty, drafted at age 19, was so deeply affected by his two years in the division that he wrote an account of the experience soon after he returned home in 1947. He self-published the story this year, virtually unchanged from the manuscript he had scribbled in longhand. The Buffalo Saga promises to be a significant addition to the history of African-American troops in World War II because it was written by a participant almost immediately following the events in question, rather than recollected or reconstructed years later.

Daugherty says he put pen to paper because friends and family members were always asking, “ ‘What did you do when you were over there?’ ”

Years ago he tried once to find a publisher, with no success. “I think the content was too caustic,” says Dorothy, his wife of 59 years.

The Buffalo Saga is indeed a raw, unvarnished, often angry account of a decorated young soldier’s encounter with institutionalized racial prejudice. Once, while fighting in Italy in 1945, another soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division said his company had lost too many men to continue fighting. Daugherty asked why the officers couldn’t just call up replacements. “Look, bud, they don’t train colored soldiers to fight,” the soldier told Daugherty. “They train them to load ships, and you don’t expect them to put white boys in a Negro outfit, do you? What do you think this is, a democracy or something?”

Daugherty’s memoir also recalls the time a black soldier got shipped out to the front lines in Italy after confronting a white officer. Word was the officer had threatened to send him where he’d get his “smart Negro brains” blown out. “I merely wondered how many men were here to be punished because they had dared to express a desire to be treated like men,” Daugherty writes.

But the book isn’t a screed. It’s an honest, even poignant account of a young man fighting in a war.

One night in late December 1944, Daugherty’s platoon got orders to patrol a mountain and not come back until it had a prisoner. He and the rest of his company ducked under friendly fire, and Daugherty advanced ahead of the troops. “The first thing I knew I had stumbled upon a barrier constructed of wooden plank and heavy-cut branches,” he wrote. “I was about to try to cross this when I caught the movement of a form in the darkness. I looked up, and it was a Jerry.” He and another private captured him and returned to camp. For this, Daugherty earned his Bronze Star.

The Buffalo Soldiers of World War II arouse intense scholarly and popular interest (a recent treatment is Miracle at St. Anna, a 2008 film by director Spike Lee based on the novel by James McBride). Their long-overlooked achievements gained national prominence in 1997, when seven African-American soldiers were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Only Vernon Baker, who served with the 92nd Infantry, was still alive.

“It was something that I felt should have been done a long time ago,” Baker said at the time. “If I was worthy of receiving a Medal of Honor in 1945, I should have received it then.” In 2006, Baker published his own memoir, Lasting Valor, with the help of journalist Ken Olsen.

The medals were issued after a historian documented that no African- American who fought in the war had even been nominated for one. “At the end of World War II, the white officers in particular wanted to wash their hands of the Italian campaign experience with the 92nd Division,” says historian Daniel Gibran, author of The 92nd Infantry Division and the Italian Campaign in World War II. “It was an experience that a lot of white officers didn’t really want, and they might as well soon forget that kind of experience.”

At the end of the war, Daugherty returned to his hometown, Washington, D.C., determined, he wrote at the time, “to help make it a place that shows compassion for, humility for, high regard for, and values all its citizens alike.” Of course, Daugherty and his fellow Buffalo Soldiers returned not to a hero’s welcome but to segregated schools and job discrimination. “The road has been long and hard; blood and sweat, death and destruction have been our companions,” he wrote. “We are home now though our flame flickers low. Will you fan it with the winds of freedom, or will you smother it with the sands of humiliation? Will it be that we fought for the lesser of two evils? Or is there this freedom and happiness for all men?”

Daugherty didn’t let his own flame go out. He went on to study at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on the G.I. Bill and to work as an administrator in the U.S. Public Health Service. He was the first African-American to serve on the board of the Montgomery County Public Schools, among the nation’s largest public school districts. Following publication of his book, Daugherty has become somewhat of a celebrity in his adopted hometown—July 28 is now officially “Buffalo Soldier James Daugherty Day” in Silver Spring.

He sits in the living room of the ranch-style house he built nearly five decades ago and in which he and his wife raised their four sons. He recalls that his work in the public health system also taught him about inequity.

“The majority of the health centers were in poor, black areas where people couldn’t get health care and all that,” Daugherty says. “But I also had to go up into West Virginia to the coal mines, and they were mistreated something terrible. A lot of these weren’t black, they weren’t Asian; they were white, Caucasian.”

Daugherty’s original handwritten manuscript remains sealed in two yellowed envelopes. Daugherty mailed them to himself more than half a century ago, in lieu of obtaining an official copyright. The postmarks read April 28, 1952. It’s his way of proving that The Buffalo Saga is his story.


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Comments (23)

Iam the Historian and Public Relations officer for American Legion Harold Byrd Decatur Post 66.After serving 1966-1972, I wanted to learn more about African American, fighting for there freedom and to be respected as a man. After reading these accounts the more I am proud that I have serve. I think more publication, movies and talks in civil organization and schools is needed. The legion motto "Freedom Is Not Free"

Posted by Ron Gordon on May 6,2012 | 03:35 PM

My Dad served in WWll, 92nd Infantry, 600th Field Artillery. He trained in Fort Huachuca and was a staff seargeant, forward observer. I am doing a personal historical video of him( he is 91 yrs. old ) retelling war stories of the Italian campaign. I would like to include photographs but have very few. I would really appreciate it if someone would forward some photos for me to use.
Thanks.

Posted by Leonel Rohan on April 17,2012 | 06:45 PM

To the true heroes of WWII and their courageous acts of bravery and services rendered. The ones who gave so much and received so little recognition. I, SFC Melvin L Harris(Ret) salute you!!! I am honored and very proud to say that I have an Uncle that was among that Elite Group of Soldiers,(The Buffalo Soldiers). His name is John Lester Harris of Lilesville, N.C. his term of service was from August 31,1942 thru January 16,1946 With the 92nd Infantry Division. God bless the Buffalo Soldiers.

Posted by melvin harris on January 5,2012 | 12:48 PM

Mu late father Theotric Whitney was a buffalo solidier in war world 2 and I am very proud og bhiim and I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE

Posted by debra Whitney on September 28,2011 | 03:56 PM

I have a picture of 92nd Div award ceremony in OCT 1944 with the following personnel shown:
Chaplain Allen L. Johnson, Jackson, Miss
Pvt. Charles J. Patterson, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Col. Raymond Sherman, Wayneboro, Va
Capt. James E. Jarmon, Indianapolis Ind
1st Lt. John W. Lorgan, Rock Hill, S.C.
T/sgt Frank Whisonant, Washington D.C
and my father T/sgt Marion G. Evans, Halifax VA

anyone intrested contact chrisgevans1@aol.com
God bless

Posted by Chris evans on September 8,2011 | 01:22 PM

I heard gleen beck talk about our african american founding fathers as well as the great men who also fought in the wars to establish this great country of ours along side gen. washington and outhers. I have since learned of the bufalo soldiers,tuskegie air men who pioleted fighter planes that escorted b-52s and so much more.I dont understand why I wasent taught about theese great men in school,I feel verry angry about this injustice of history but I am greatfull and proud of those great americans who sacrificed so much for all of us,and I thank God for them.I am so glad that I was told about theese men and women and have been able to learn and find out more about the truth and I hope wee car restore all of the history so we can teach our children the whole truth about America,then wee can see and treat each other as fellow Americans and Children of God,and I pray he will continue to bless the U.S.A. as he allways has. I thank all of the black American soldiers who have payed the ultimate price for our freedom,and may there good deeds and courage always be told of that we may gain courage to,for the trials to come.Let all good and brave works of any man woman or child be told of from the highest hights,so the world may know of it,that Americans still hold the light of truth and goodness for all mankind to see.

Posted by chad on May 27,2011 | 01:52 AM

Mr. Shuler was in the 92nd division ln Italy in WWII

Posted by Walter Shuler Sr. on February 26,2011 | 03:55 PM

wow... my father was also a Buffalo Solider in WW II... I had no idea the importance they made! I was helping my granddaughter with a school project and she chose to write about "Granpa George" we still have his buffalo patch, not too much else.. we've lost much... but we have the memories of the stories he would always share with us about Italy and Germany. What a blessing to find this story.

Bev' I will email you!

Posted by Deborah on January 13,2011 | 07:57 PM

My father is a veteran of WWII and was a Buffalo Soldier with the 9th calvary. My father is 90 years old and the memories are priceless. He has talked about the soldiers who fought in Italy, and his own experiences as a soldier. I am in the process of trying to replace his medals that were lost. Just yesterday he again showed me his honorable discharge papers..I am so proud!

Posted by Ms. Pam Dunham-Davis on November 4,2010 | 11:01 AM

Children of Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry who fought in Italy: I would love to meet you and honor our fathers' contribution.

reallybev@yahoo.com

Posted by Beverly Withers on October 28,2010 | 05:39 PM

My dad is veteran of WW2. He was a Buffalo Soldier of the 92nd Infantry who fought in ITALY. He is a one more that the department of the Army passed over. My dad deserves the honor for fighting for his country. My dad is almost 80 years young and he has a story to tell. He lives in a small town in Georgia. I believe their are others that have been passed over. The Army's Experitment. They did not expect them to survive.

Posted by Rose kitchen on September 6,2010 | 10:42 PM

In 1993, Tacoma, WA, LaQuinta Inn, I attended a Buffalo Soldiers Meeting. Being the Director of the Black Native American Coalition I was given the priviledge of meeting some of these WWII Buffalo Soldiers and they gave me their autographs with some history behind them. Here are their names: SMITTY ADAMS, ALBERT CURLEY (92ND INF.), TURL COVINGTON JR, RICHARD MARSH, ROBERT NUS,PURNELL JONES, PORTER F. BANKS, JAKE BANKS, GEORGE BEATE LEOTIS B.BRANIGAN, WARREN C. TERRELL, JAMES ALEXANDER, ROMIE HARGROVE, JAMES G. MADISON, ARTUR GARRET, LESLIE DAVIS SR. POBERT POUSIE, RALPH B. PORTER, JAMES F. MEIGH JR.LORIS W. PRESTON, JAMES WILLIAMS, CLYDE NOBISON, JAMES SELF JR, ALBERT GRIFFIN, TJ HARDNEY JR. WILLIE SPIVEY, RANDALL COLE, LEON, BERRY, ROSCOE VAN BUREN, VALLEY P. COLEMAN, HARRY HOLLIDAY (LEGHORN, ITALY), WILLARD LEE, EARNEST OLIVER, EDWARD WHITE. I have other information on them and I will be glad to answer questions.

Posted by H. Carolyn King on June 25,2010 | 11:57 PM

I've just read "The Buffalo Saga." A great addition to the history of the 92nd. My (white) uncle was a 1st Lt. in a tank destroyer battallion and died near Sarzana, Italy April 22, 1945. Family lore says he might have been in command of a Buffalo Soldiers unit. ?? I'm trying to track this down. If it's true, I'd love to know more, good or bad. I'd like to get in touch with Mr. Daugherty, if possible...even better would be to talk with him! Besides expressing my gratitude for his service in the war, we could talk about MCPS...I'm retired from there.

Posted by Catherine S. Lyon on February 4,2010 | 12:53 PM

IT'S A SAME WHEN AN AUTHOR PUTS IN A PLUG FOR HIS BOOK. THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT A WWII VETERAN, LET'S GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR WHAT HE'S ACCOMPLISHED AND NOT TRY TO OVER SHADOW HIM. WAY TO GO TROOPER JAMES DAUGHERTY! "LEST WE FORGET"

Posted by THE BUFFALO SOLDIER on February 2,2010 | 10:01 AM

I had four uncles that were in World War II. One was stationed in Burma, he saw combat, he came home a little shell shocked, at first, but he was fine later on. There was a Movie called "Burma Road" and my uncle said they didn"t show not one black man marching on that road. That wasn't right. Another uncle was stationed in Sipan, but I don't think he saw combat. My youngest uncle served in the Army, and after that he volunteered in the Marines. He was in the Military for quite sometime. My older uncle also served in the Army as well. They are all gone now, but I am and will always be very proud of them.

Posted by Deloris Simon on February 1,2010 | 10:36 PM

The 92nd Infantry was far from the last of the segregated units, the Quartermaster Corps, among other service branches had many such units. As the white commanding officer of the 3225th QM Service Co our story has never been told.Most people either don't want to know or could care less. There were many more black soldiers who didn't get shot at but served well and did their part. The black support troops deserve some recognition because they came from the same society as did those who were in combat units. Their story is as compelling if anyone cares to listen.

Posted by Paul Rechnitzer on December 22,2009 | 12:37 PM

Responding to Carolyn Morgan's comment, 11/15/2009,
Yes, Mr. Daugherty is a terrific and compelling speaker!
Marcie Stickle, Silver Spring Historical Society

Posted by Marcie Stickle on December 16,2009 | 08:06 PM

What an amazing group of men they must have been. I hear he is a terrific speaker also.

Posted by Carolyn Morgan on November 15,2009 | 04:17 PM

An interesting and wonderful story that demonstrates the value of knowing one's national history.

Posted by majii on November 14,2009 | 10:32 PM

what is this about history is born

Posted by chuhfu on November 11,2009 | 10:57 PM

My church's associate pastor, Brother John Nichols, is a retired Buffalo Soldier, and has some wonderful tales of his time after the war and of the trials and triumphs he had during his military and after careers. I wonder if these men knew each other? Hopewell, VA

Posted by Vanessa Justice on November 10,2009 | 01:00 PM

Excellent article by Abby Callard, excellent photos by Molly Roberts! [Mr. Daugherty received Master's Degree in Public Health in 1952 from Columbia University, New York, N.Y.] Thank you for letting me share my book review appearing in the Gazette, 7/22/09.

Buffalo Soldier Pens Story of Courage

Buffalo Soldier James Harden Daugherty's new book, "Buffalo Saga," is a "you are there" firsthand account of his journey as a soldier in the Army's 92nd Infantry Division, the only all African-American division-strength unit, the Buffalo Soldiers, who fought in the European theater in World War II.

Drafted at the age of 19, Daugherty served in northern Italy, and wrote this insightful book at the age of 23 upon his return from the War. He was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement and the Combat Infantryman Badge for outstanding performance of duty in action.

This book is also an engaging, compassionate and perceptive essay on human rights, social justice/injustice, and freedom at home and abroad. Daugherty's invincible spirit and his vitality courses through his account as well as his sense of humor and understanding of human nature.

Daugherty is a profile in courage; his "Buffalo Saga" is also about the heroism, courage and sacrifice of all his distinguished soldier comrades in World War II.

Marcie Stickle, Silver Spring
The writer is advocacy chair of the Silver Spring Historical Society.
www.gazette.net/stories/07222009/montlet184737_32537.shtml

Posted by Marcie Stickle on November 8,2009 | 10:20 PM

How do you keep a people down? You 'never' let them 'know' their history.

Read some great military history.

The 7th Cavalry got their butts in a sling again after the Little Big Horn Massacre, fourteen years later, the day after the Wounded Knee Massacre. If it wasn't for the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers, there would of been a second massacre of the 7th Cavalry. Read the book, ‘Rescue at Pine Ridge”, and visit website/great military history, http://www.rescueatpineridge.com

Posted by Buffalo Soldier 9 on November 7,2009 | 12:03 AM



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