Recognizing William Henry Hamilton

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and service of Mr. William Henry Hamilton, a member of the Missionary Generation (born between 1860 and 1882) and a true American hero. A proud African-American soldier, he fought for this country a generation post-enslavement, and the signing of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

William Henry Hamilton was born in Trenton, Tennessee on October 25, 1875. Later, and while living in Little Rock, Arkansas, he enlisted in the United States Army on February 20, 1895. Mr. Hamilton was a revered Buffalo Soldier and a member of the esteemed Troop D, 10th Cavalry, one of only four (9th Cavalry, 10th Cavalry, 24th Infantry, and the 25th Infantry) African-American troops that served during the Spanish- American War in 1898. Under the overall command of General John J. Pershing and direct command of Captain John Bigelow, Jr., First Sergeant Hamilton--a ``Rough Rider''--fought alongside Colonel Teddy Roosevelt (before he became Vice President and President of the United States) and other ``Rough Riders'' in the Battle of San Juan Hill, in Santiago, Cuba.

Following The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Spanish-American War in December of 1898, First Sergeant Hamilton, along with his 10th Cavalry comrades, were sent to The Philippines in 1900 as reinforcements against the Filipino nationalists who were attacking soldiers of the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments. =========================== NOTE ===========================

On February 13, 2024, page E135, in the second column, the following appeared: 10th Cavalry comrades, were sent to The Phillippines in 1900 as reinforcements against the Filipino nationalists who were attacking

The online version has been corrected to read : 10th Cavalry comrades, were sent to The Philippines in 1900 as reinforcements against the Filipino nationalists who were attacking ========================= END NOTE =========================

In March of 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered troops--including the 10th Cavalry--to Mexico. Led by General John J. Pershing, First Sergeant Hamilton and other members of the cavalry's goal was to capture Pancho Villa. Unfortunately, Villa alluded capture; after two years of pursuing him throughout Mexico, the troops returned to the United States.

Mr. Hamilton distinguished himself as an expert sharpshooter; he was recognized for his skills with the following medals: Distinguished Pistol Shot (1908); Expert Rifleman (1911-1915); Sharpshooter (1913- 1914); and Pistol Expert (1915). In addition to his sharpshooting skills, First Sergeant Hamilton received medals and recognition for his unwavering service in the following wars: Army Occupation Military Government of Cuba (1898-1902); Spanish-American War (1898); and Mexican War Service (1911-1917).

First Sergeant William Henry Hamilton served his country in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. He returned to private life and retired at the historic Old Soldiers Home in Washington, D.C. to live out his remaining days. He enjoyed being with his former unit friends, rocking on the porch, and sharing war stories. Mr. Hamilton was laid to rest in the historic cemetery on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home. =========================== NOTE ===========================

On February 13, 2024, page E135, in the second column, the following appeared: stories. Mr. Hamilton was laid to rest in the historic cemetary on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home.

The online version has been corrected to read: stories. Mr. Hamilton was laid to rest in the historic cemetery on the grounds of the Old Soldiers Home. ========================= END NOTE =========================

I am deeply grateful for Mr. William Henry Hamilton's lifetime of military service to this country. His dedicated service, as well as the military service of his descendants that continues to this day, will never be forgotten. We, as a Nation, are forever grateful.

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