William Cathay — a one-of-a-kind Buffalo Soldier

by 1st Lt. Michelle Frempong
321st Missile Squadron

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFPN) — Born a slave in 1842 to wealthy farm owner in Jefferson City, Mo., William Cathay would prove to be an exceptional figure in American history.

Along with several other slaves, the 13th Army Corps drafted Cathay shortly after the onset of the Civil War. Working as a cook under the Union soldiers, he traveled through cities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Washington, Virginia and later returned to St. Louis, Mo.

Cathay's travels helped him developed a keen understanding and appreciation for the military. This experience would prove to be an invaluable asset in his future endeavors.

Following the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Congress created six all-black military units. They became known as the Buffalo Soldiers.

It was a name of honor and respect given to them by the plains Indians due to their demonstrated strength, courage and perseverance as soldiers in combat, as well as their ethnic physical trait of short, black and curly hair.

At the time of his enlistment, a physician gave Cathy a limited medical assessment and cited him as being 5'9" with black skin, black eyes and black hair. At the time he was determined fit for duty.

After his assessment, Cathay joined the ranks as a private in Company A of the 38th U.S. Infantry, which was commanded by Capt. Charles Clarke. Shortly after his enlistment, Cathay contracted small pox and was hospitalized. After his recovery, he rejoined his unit stationed in New Mexico.

Then on October 14, 1868, Private William Cathay received some shocking news. He was discharged from the U.S. Army Corps having served only two years of his original three-year enlistment.

The circumstances of his discharge were not clearly stated, yet Cathay upheld the notion that he had been a good soldier.

Cathay once said, "I was never put in the guard house and no bayonet was ever put to my back. I carried my musket and did guard duty and other duties while in the Army." Though unsubstantiated, the discharge remained in place.

What distinguishes Cathay's story from other common accounts of service to our country is a bit uncommon. While hospitalized in New Mexico, it was discovered that William Cathay was actually Cathay Williams, masking her identity in order to enlist in the U.S. Army Corps. At the time of her recruitment, the physicians were simply checking for obvious deformities or impairments, so it was not too difficult to understand her entrance into the Army.

Furthermore, her height and stature in their unflattering uniforms belied her female characteristics. Williams is the only known female to have served among the Buffalo Soldiers.

(Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service)