Horace Bivins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Horace Bivins
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| Birth name | Horace Wayman Bivins |
| Born | May 8, 1866 Accomack County, Virginia, Confederate States of America |
| Died | December 4, 1960 (aged c.94) Billings, Montana, United States of America |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1913, 1918–1919 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 10th Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars Spanish–American War |
Horace Wayman Bivins (born May 8, 1862, in Accomack County, Virginia; died 1960, in Billings, Montana) was a brave and skilled soldier. He was a member of the 10th Cavalry in the United States Army. This famous African-American unit was known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
Bivins rose to the rank of sergeant. He fought in the Indian Wars and the Spanish–American War in 1898. For his bravery in Cuba, he received a Silver Star medal. In 1903, he was given the very first Army Distinguished Pistol Shot badge. This award recognized his amazing shooting skills from 1894. He was also the first U.S. Army soldier to be a "Double Distinguished Shooter." This means he was a top shot with both a pistol and a rifle. He retired in 1913 but served again during World War I. He became a captain before retiring for good.
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Early Life and Joining the Army
Horace Bivins was born free on May 8, 1862. His family lived in Accomack County, Virginia. His parents, Severn S. and Elizabeth Bivins, were free farmers. They worked on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Horace grew up helping them on the farm.
Later, he decided to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia. In 1887, he joined the United States Army. He started his military career as a private soldier.
A Brave Buffalo Soldier
Horace Bivins was assigned to the 10th Cavalry. This unit was famous for its African-American soldiers, known as the Buffalo Soldiers. He took part in battles against Geronimo in Arizona. These fights were part of the Indian Wars in the American West.
In 1898, Bivins and the 10th Cavalry fought against Spanish forces in Cuba. This was during the Spanish–American War. Bivins showed great courage during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. He was wounded in the head but still earned a Silver Star for his bravery.
In 1899, Bivins helped write a book. It was called Under the Fire with Tenth U.S. Cavalry. The book shared the experiences of the 10th Cavalry during the war.
Top Shooter: A Marksmanship Legend
Horace Bivins was known for his incredible shooting skills. He became a national champion in both revolver and carbine (a type of rifle) marksmanship. He proudly wore many awards for his shooting.
In 1903, the Army created a special award. It was called the Distinguished Pistol Shot badge. This award honored the very best pistol shooters. When the Army looked back at old records, they found something amazing. Corporal Horace Waymon Bivins had won at least three pistol championships in 1894. This made him eligible for the new award. He was given the first-ever Army Distinguished Pistol Shot badge. He was the only soldier to get this award for achievements made before 1903.
But that's not all! In 1894, Corporal Bivins also won the United States Army Distinguished Rifle Badge. This made him the first "Double Distinguished Shooter" in the U.S. Army. This is a very rare and special honor. It means he was a top shooter with both a pistol and a rifle.
Later Life and Legacy
After serving in many places, including the Philippines, Bivins retired from the army in 1913. However, he returned to duty briefly in 1918. This was when the United States joined World War I. He was promoted to Captain and served for six months at Camp Dix in New Jersey.
He retired again in 1919. He moved to Billings, Montana, where he lived with his wife, Claudia Browning. She passed away in 1943. In the late 1940s, Captain Bivins moved to Philadelphia. He died on December 4, 1960, at the age of 94. He is buried at Baltimore National Cemetery.
