William McBryar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William McBryar
|
|
|---|---|
Lieutenant William McBryar
|
|
| Born | February 14, 1861 Elizabethtown, North Carolina |
| Died | March 8, 1941 (aged 80) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1900, 1905 |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit | 10th Cavalry Regiment 25th Infantry Regiment 8th U. S. Volunteer Infantry 49th U.S. Volunteer Infantry 9th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars Philippine–American War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
William McBryar (born February 14, 1861 – died March 8, 1941) was a brave American soldier. He was a Buffalo Soldier in the United States Army. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. He earned this award for his actions during the Cherry Creek Campaign in Arizona.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William McBryar was born on February 14, 1861, in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. His mother was Rose Black. William went to St. Augustine's Normal College starting in 1883. He studied subjects like physics, government, and sociology. He also learned Latin and Spanish and could speak Spanish well. He left college before finishing his degree.
Joining the 10th Cavalry
In 1887, McBryar joined the 10th Cavalry Regiment. This was a unit of Buffalo Soldiers. These soldiers were African Americans who served in the U.S. Army. He became a Sergeant in Company K.
Medal of Honor Hero
On March 7, 1890, Sergeant McBryar showed great courage. His troop was chasing Apache Indians in Arizona. He was recognized for his "coolness, bravery and marksmanship." For his heroic actions, he received the Medal of Honor on May 15, 1890. This is the highest military award in the United States.
Service in Other Regiments
After his time with the 10th Cavalry, McBryar joined the 25th Infantry Regiment. He served with them during the Spanish–American War. He fought bravely in the Battle of El Caney in Cuba.
Becoming an Officer
Because of his bravery and leadership, William McBryar was promoted. He became a First Lieutenant in the 8th U.S. Volunteer Infantry. This was a big achievement for him. He took an oath to support the United States Constitution.
Fighting in the Philippines
Lieutenant McBryar later served in the 49th U.S. Volunteer Infantry. He was sent to the Philippine–American War. In May 1900, he led his soldiers to capture an enemy group in the Philippines. He finished his service with this unit in June 1900.
Later Military Service
McBryar rejoined the army in 1905. He served as a private in Troop G of the 9th Cavalry. He was discharged later that year. He left the army to take a job in the U.S. Civil Service.
Life After the Military
William McBryar married Sallie B. Waugh in 1906. They did not have any children. Sallie passed away in 1928. McBryar married again in 1933 to Lucy E. Sweatt, but they later divorced.
Working at Arlington National Cemetery
In 1909, McBryar worked as a watchman. His job was at the famous Arlington National Cemetery. This is where many American soldiers are buried.
Teacher and Student
After working on his farm, McBryar taught for a year. He was a military instructor at Saint Paul's Normal and Industrial School. He also worked for the Federal Penitentiary Service. He taught at another school from 1924 to 1928. Then, he went back to school himself for four years.
College Graduate at 73
In 1934, William McBryar achieved something amazing. At 73 years old, he graduated from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
Writing About Justice
In 1935, McBryar wrote an essay called "Justice Discussed In Fine Essay." He wrote about how important justice is for a nation. He believed that justice helps a country thrive, while injustice can cause it to fall apart. He used examples from history to show his point.
Death and Legacy
William McBryar died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1941. He was 80 years old. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 2017, people from Tennessee State University placed a memorial wreath at his grave.
Special Honors
William McBryar has received many honors for his service:
- He was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
- He was inducted into the Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame.
- He was inducted into the Arizona Veteran's Hall of Fame.
- He is honored on the African American Medal of Honor Memorial.
- He is also on the Buffalo Soldiers Memorial in Huntsville, Alabama.
- The Tennessee State Senate passed a resolution to honor his achievements.
Historic Markers
There are special markers to remember William McBryar. One is in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, where he grew up. Another was placed at Tennessee State University in 2018.
-
Historic Marker
Collectible Cards and Coins
In 2009, Topps baseball cards featured McBryar on a card. It was part of a series honoring Medal of Honor recipients. In 2017, 100 special coins were made with his picture. They were given to veterans at Tennessee State University.
Portraits
-
Original oil portrait of William McBryar painted by Jon Kardamis Fine Art
-
Original oil painting by Samuel Dunson on loan to Tennessee State University by a private collection.
There are three known portraits of William McBryar. Two are oil paintings, and one is a drawing. Two of these paintings are currently on display at Tennessee State University.
