Emanuel Stance

He led a cavalry patrol at Kickapoo Springs

Emanuel Stance was born into slavery in Carroll Parish, Louisiana, around 1844. He enlisted at Lake Providence on 2 October 1866 in the newly formed 9th U.S. Cavalry, one of the Black regular regiments later known as the Buffalo Soldiers. He was promoted to sergeant in March 1867 and served with Company F at Fort Davis, Texas.

On 20 May 1870, while stationed at Fort McKavett, Stance led a mounted detachment near Kickapoo Springs. His patrol faced armed opposition, and his conduct earned him the Medal of Honor. He received the award on 28 June 1870, becoming the first Black soldier awarded the decoration for action after the Civil War.

Stance continued serving with the 9th Cavalry and rose to first sergeant. He died at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, on 25 December 1887. He is buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska.

Medal of Honor citation

Gallantry on scout after Indians.