Emanuel Stance facts for kids

Emanuel Stance (1843 – December 25, 1887) was a brave Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army. He received America's highest military award, the Medal of Honor. He earned this honor for his actions during the American Indian Wars in the western United States.

Serving in the Army

Fort McKavett Barracks in 1936

Emanuel Stance joined the 9th Cavalry Regiment on October 2, 1866. This was less than two months after the regiment was created. He quickly became a Sergeant in March 1867.

Stance was a good recruit because he could read and write. His first commitment to the army was for five years. He was first stationed at Fort Davis in Western Texas.

In 1868, Stance helped manage soldiers working on building and maintaining the fort. This might have included operating sawmills or making bricks. He led his first patrol in September 1868 with eight soldiers.

Stance took part in two important battles against Native American tribes in 1869. In September, his group fought against Kiowas and Comanches near the Middle Brazos River. Later, in October, his cavalry unit joined other troops to fight a larger group of Native Americans.

Earning the Medal of Honor

Stance was serving with Troop F of the 9th Cavalry Regiment at Fort McKavett. On May 20, 1870, he led a patrol to find Apaches who had taken two brothers, Herman and Willie Lehmann.

Stance and his men found the group near Kickapoo Springs. They charged and opened fire with their Spencer carbines. The Apaches left their stolen horses and ran away. This allowed Willie Lehmann to escape.

On their way back to the fort, Stance and his soldiers charged other Native Americans two more times. These groups were trying to steal horses. Stance's patrol returned with 15 stolen horses. None of his men were hurt during the mission.

For his brave actions, Stance received the Medal of Honor on June 28, 1870. He was the first African-American regular soldier to receive this high award.

Later Years in the Army

Reconstructed buildings at Fort Robinson

After earning the Medal of Honor, Stance faced some challenges. He was temporarily lowered in rank to private. This might have been due to disciplinary issues.

He finished his first five years of service in October 1871. Soon after, he joined the army again. In 1872, he had a fight with another sergeant and was punished. He was demoted and spent time in the guardhouse.

Stance continued to serve in important missions. He was among the troops who fought against Apache chief Victorio in New Mexico. He also helped remove Sooners from Native American lands in Oklahoma.

Stance rejoined Troop F in 1880. He earned the rank of Sergeant four more times during his career. In 1886, while serving as First Sergeant at Fort Robinson, his troop celebrated his 20 years of service with a special dinner and dance.

His Death

In the late 1880s, Stance was involved in several disagreements with younger soldiers. He was known as a very strict leader. On Christmas morning in 1887, Stance was found shot on a road near Crawford, Nebraska.

He had been shot with a service revolver. Evidence suggested that some of his own soldiers might have been involved. One private was accused of the murder but was later freed because there wasn't enough evidence.

Stance was buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. His obituary mentioned that while he was a strict leader, his leadership style was often necessary for his troops.