Although 25 African American men from Brunswick County, North Carolina, were drafted and sent to Camp Grant, Illinois, for World War I service, not all became Buffalo Soldiers.

Following the U.S. entry into WWI, the 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions were established for Black combat units. Upon arrival at Camp Grant, William Frederick Brooks, William James Gordon, and Robert Bollie Stanley from Brunswick County were selected for the 92nd Division. They trained for combat in France with Company H, 365th Infantry, 92nd Division. Seven Black men from Brunswick County served in combat roles within the 92nd Division.

American Plains Indians coined the term "Buffalo Soldiers" during the Indian Wars in 1866. It referred to all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments known for their bravery. The nickname later became associated with all Black units in the Army until desegregation after WWII.

Image source: Courtesy of the State Port Pilot
Narrative sources: The Doughboy Foundation; Buffalo Soldiers Museum; NPS