On July 1, 2021, the 123rd anniversary of the epic battle of San Juan Hill, Cuba. FirstSpear pays tribute the Rough Riders and the gallant charge made that day to secure the critical heights. This charge ultimately led to freeing the oppressed peoples of Cuba to pursue their own destiny.
This iconic photo was taken that day after the successful charge. Legendary famous Law Man and Troop CO “Buckey” O’Neil once said, “War is argument, best way to settle it is to kill the other fella.” This emboldened the Rough Riders to continue forward to victory even though he was killed in the assault.
FirstSpear has created an iconic, limited edition commemorative T-shirt with this photo and quote.
For more information, check out: www.first-spear.com/rough-rider.
Have always loved that picture.
The Buffalo Soldiers did all the real fighting in Cuba while the Rough Riders got all the glory.
Reference, documentation, links to historic recording of these “facts”?
Can you elaborate Bob? Ive never read that
All,
The 9th and 10th Cavalry (Colored) – as they were officially referred to in those days – as well as the 24th and 25th Infantry (Colored) took part in all the battles of the campaign in Cuba with distinction. Including earning several Medal of Honors. All four units have been referred to as “Buffalo Soldiers.”
The 10th specifically charged up San Juan Hill alongside the more famous “Rough Riders.” The officer who led one troop of the 10th up the San Juan Heights was a 1st Lieutenant named John J. Pershing.
No disrespect to anyone who fought there, but it is also true that the Rough Riders got more publicity than any other unit in the campaign – white or black – mainly because of their famous deputy commander LTC Teddy Roosevelt and the pre-deployment mystique deliberately built around the unit as it formed.
TLB
Theodore Roosevelt was most certainly good at marketing himself as a celebrity.