[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING WILLIAM HENRY HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  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.

                          ____________________