Moses Williams

The Buffalo Soldier Who Saved His Comrades Under Heavy Fire What does it take to stand firm when surrounded by a superior enemy force, with danger closing in and the lives of fellow soldiers depending on your courage? For First Sergeant Moses Williams, the answer came on 16 August 1881, in the rugged foothills of the Cuchillo Negro Mountains in New Mexico. Facing intense enemy fire, Williams rallied his men, maintained control during a running fight that lasted several hours, and displayed extraordinary courage that helped save the lives of at least three fellow soldiers. His actions would earn him the Medal of Honor and secure his place among the most distinguished Buffalo Soldiers in American military history.

Born on 10 October 1845 in Carrollton, Louisiana, Moses Williams enlisted in the United States Army on 1 October 1866. He joined the 9th United States Cavalry, one of the distinguished African American regiments that became known as the Buffalo Soldiers. These soldiers served on the American frontier under difficult and often dangerous conditions, protecting military installations, escorting settlers and supply trains, and participating in campaigns across the western territories.

Williams initially served with Troop F before transferring to Company I by 1876. His military career took him through Louisiana, Texas and New Mexico, with further service in the western territories. He participated in frontier operations involving the Kiowa, Comanche and Mescalero Apache. His responsibilities demanded discipline, endurance and the ability to lead soldiers under difficult conditions.

His courage was tested on 16 August 1881, near the Cuchillo Negro Mountains in New Mexico. During a fierce engagement with Apache fighters, Williams rallied his fellow soldiers, led flanking attacks and helped maintain the detachment's fighting effectiveness. When the company withdrew under intense fire, Williams and his lieutenant exposed themselves to draw enemy fire, enabling the rescue of three troopers who had become cut off. His actions demonstrated exceptional courage, leadership and devotion to his comrades.

For his extraordinary heroism, Williams received the United States Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor. The official Army record dates its issue to 12 November 1896, fifteen years after the engagement.

In 1885, Williams was selected for appointment as an Ordnance Sergeant, a distinguished position requiring experience, reliability and technical responsibility. He subsequently served at Fort Buford in North Dakota and Fort Stevens in Oregon, where his duties involved the care and maintenance of military weapons, ammunition and equipment.

Williams retired from the United States Army on 12 May 1898, completing more than three decades of military service. He died in Vancouver, Washington, on 23 August 1899, aged 53, and was buried at Vancouver Barracks Post Cemetery.

Today, Moses Williams remains an important figure in the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and African American military service. His story is more than an account of a battlefield decoration. It is the story of a soldier who stood beside his commanding officer under heavy fire, rallied his comrades when they needed leadership most, and helped bring endangered soldiers to safety. His Medal of Honor represents an extraordinary act of courage, but his wider legacy rests on decades of discipline, perseverance and faithful service to the United States Army.