Modern Era (1946 - present) African American soldiers of the 25th Infantry fought in the Spanish-American War MPEG Format (7.7 MB) Help With Video Credits John J. Pershing Died July 15, 1948 After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Pershing commanded the 6th Cavalry Regiment in the West, where he participated in the campaigns against the Apache and Sioux Indians. When a new law authorized the U.S. Army to form cavalry and infantry regiments of black soldiers, Pershing became first lieutenant of the 10th Cavalry Regiment in Montana, one of several segregated regiments. The African American troops of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Divisions played a prominent role in the battles of Santiago and San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Pershing was awarded a Silver Star Citation for gallantry in both those battles, but he had yet to meet the notorious Pancho Villa. page 2 of 3 Library Of Congress | Legal Notices | Privacy | Site Map | Contact Us VIDEO CREDIT: “25th Infantry / American Mutoscope and Biograph Company,” 1900, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, Library of Congress. Call Number FEA 7323.