William McBryar

Arizona pursuit earned a Buffalo Soldier the Medal of Honor.

William McBryar was a Buffalo Soldier who earned the Medal of Honor during the American Indian Wars and later commanded infantrymen under fire in the Spanish-American War. Rising from the enlisted ranks to First Lieutenant, he built a military career across three major periods of American military operations.

Born on 14 February 1861 in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, McBryar attended St. Augustine's Normal College before enlisting in the United States Army on 3 January 1887. Assigned to Company K of the 10th U.S. Cavalry, he served on the western frontier.

On 7 March 1890, McBryar participated in the Cherry Creek Campaign in Arizona Territory. During an armed encounter along the Salt River, he distinguished himself for courage and marksmanship while pursuing Apache men. He received the Medal of Honor on 15 May 1890.

McBryar later transferred to the 25th U.S. Infantry and rose to Quartermaster Sergeant. During the Spanish-American War, he served in Cuba with Company H. At the Battle of El Caney on 1 July 1898, he commanded the company's second platoon and led his soldiers forward under Spanish fire.

After the Cuban campaign, McBryar received a commission in the 8th U.S. Volunteer Infantry. He subsequently served in the 49th U.S. Volunteer Infantry during the Philippine-American War, participating in operations in Luzon and eventually reaching the rank of First Lieutenant.

Following the end of his volunteer service in 1901, McBryar later reenlisted in the 9th Cavalry. Medical problems curtailed that return to military service. In civilian life, he worked in several positions, including as a military instructor and a watchman at Arlington National Cemetery.

McBryar died in Philadelphia on 8 March 1941 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His career reflects the courage and professionalism of African American soldiers during an era of segregation.

Medal of Honor citation: “Distinguished himself for coolness, bravery, and marksmanship while his troop was in pursuit of hostile Apache Indians.”