Benjamin Brown – Honorable Buffalo Soldier
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Among the most compelling are those of the Buffalo Soldiers, African American servicemen who played a crucial role in shaping the frontier. One such figure, Benjamin Brown, stands out as a beacon of valor, earning the nation’s highest military honor for his unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.
Born in 1859 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Benjamin Brown entered a world still grappling with the aftermath of slavery. His early life remains largely undocumented, but the historical record clearly demonstrates his path led him to the ranks of the United States Army. He enlisted and became a Buffalo Soldier, joining a distinguished legacy of African American soldiers who served with distinction in the late 19th century. These soldiers, often facing prejudice and hardship, were instrumental in maintaining order, building infrastructure, and protecting settlers in the vast and often unforgiving landscapes of the American West.
The term "Buffalo Soldier" itself is shrouded in some mystery. It is believed to have been bestowed upon the African American cavalry and infantry regiments by Native Americans, possibly due to the soldiers’ dark, curly hair, which resembled the coat of the buffalo. The name, initially potentially a derogatory term, was embraced by the soldiers themselves, becoming a symbol of pride and resilience. They wore it as a badge of honor, representing their unwavering commitment to duty despite the pervasive racism they faced both within and outside the military.
Benjamin Brown’s service placed him within this challenging context. He served as a Sergeant in Company C of the 24th Infantry, one of the regiments composed of African American soldiers. The 24th Infantry, along with other Buffalo Soldier units, was stationed at various posts throughout the West, tasked with a range of duties, including guarding supply lines, escorting wagon trains, constructing roads and forts, and engaging in combat with Native American tribes resisting westward expansion.
On May 11, 1889, Sergeant Benjamin Brown’s mettle was tested in a dramatic event that would forever etch his name in the history books. He, along with a contingent of other soldiers, was assigned to escort Army Paymaster Major Joseph Washington Wham. Their mission was to transport a strongbox containing a substantial sum of over $28,000 in gold and silver coins from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas, both located in the Arizona Territory. This payroll represented the wages for the soldiers stationed at Fort Thomas, a vital component of maintaining morale and operational readiness.
The journey, however, was fraught with danger. The Arizona Territory was a wild and unforgiving land, inhabited by both Native American tribes and bands of outlaws who preyed on travelers and settlements. As the escort approached a location approximately 15 miles from Pima, Arizona, they were ambushed by a group of bandits. The ensuing confrontation became known as the Wham Paymaster Robbery, a dramatic and violent episode in the history of the American West.
The bandits, whose identities and motives remain largely unknown to this day, launched a surprise attack on the escort, unleashing a barrage of gunfire. The soldiers, caught off guard, quickly scrambled to defend themselves and protect the precious payroll. A fierce gun battle erupted, with both sides exchanging fire in a desperate struggle for survival. The rugged terrain provided little cover, and the soldiers found themselves exposed to the bandits’ relentless assault.
Sergeant Benjamin Brown, despite facing overwhelming odds, displayed extraordinary courage and leadership during the ambush. He rallied his men, directing their fire and maintaining a defensive perimeter. Even after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, including a severe injury to his abdomen and wounds to both arms, he refused to yield. He continued to fight, providing covering fire for his comrades and preventing the bandits from overrunning their position.
His unwavering determination and selflessness in the face of grave danger were instrumental in preventing a complete disaster. Although the bandits ultimately succeeded in making off with the payroll, their victory came at a cost. The soldiers, inspired by Sergeant Brown’s bravery, fought valiantly, inflicting casualties on the attackers and preventing them from causing even greater harm. Eight members of the escort were wounded in the fierce engagement, a testament to the intensity of the battle.
Sergeant Brown’s actions during the Wham Paymaster Robbery exemplified the highest traditions of military service. His courage under fire, his unwavering dedication to duty, and his selfless disregard for his own safety earned him the admiration of his fellow soldiers and the gratitude of a nation. On February 19, 1890, a year after the harrowing event, Sergeant Benjamin Brown was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. The citation accompanying the award recognized his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to duty in the face of overwhelming odds.
The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon individuals who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Brown’s actions on that fateful day in May 1889 undoubtedly met this high standard. He stood as a symbol of courage and resilience, embodying the spirit of the Buffalo Soldiers who served with distinction on the American frontier.
Benjamin Brown passed away on September 5, 1910, and was laid to rest at the United States Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His final resting place serves as a testament to his service and sacrifice, a reminder of the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers to the history of the United States.
Sergeant Brown, along with Corporal Isaiah Mays, who was also involved in the Wham Paymaster Robbery and received the Medal of Honor, are the only two black infantrymen to receive the Medal of Honor for their bravery in the frontier Indian Wars.
The Wham Paymaster Robbery itself remains an unsolved mystery. The money stolen by the bandits was never recovered, and no one was ever successfully prosecuted for the robbery or the shootings. The event has become a part of the folklore of the American West, a reminder of the lawlessness and uncertainty that prevailed in the frontier territories.
The story of Benjamin Brown and the Wham Paymaster Robbery serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the American West. It is a story of courage and sacrifice, but also a story of injustice and unresolved mysteries. The legacy of Benjamin Brown and the Buffalo Soldiers endures, reminding us of the vital role that African American soldiers played in shaping the history of the United States. Their contributions, often overlooked, deserve to be recognized and celebrated as an integral part of the American narrative.