Book 91

The role of the Frontier scout in the US Army during the period of expansion to the West, was often far more important than that of the commanding officer himself. They possessed a priceless knowledge of the geography, people and characteristics of the great, unknown American hinterland and from the earliest days of exploration, the US Army depended on its scouts to guide them across the plains and through the mountains as they guarded the nation's frontier settlements. This book looks at these scouts, covering their organization, uniform, and weapons and includes details of many famous scouts such as 'Wild Bill' Hikock and 'Buffalo Bill' Cody.

Book 107

Buffalo Soldiers 1866-91

by Ron Field

Published 16 June 2004
African-American soldiers played a decisive role in the US Army on the western frontier during the Plains Wars. First authorised by Congress in July 1866, they were organised into two cavalry and four infantry regiments, which were commanded by white officers. All were quickly nicknamed the 'Buffalo Soldiers' by their Cheyenne and Comanche enemies. These brave soldiers fought many native tribes over the years, including the warriors of Sitting Bull and Geronimo. This book tells the story of these buffalo soldiers who, until the early 1890s, constituted 20 per cent of all active forces on duty in the American West.

Book 112

American Civil War Marines 1861-65

by Ron Field

Published 29 October 2004
Like the other branches of US military service, the Marine Corps was crippled by resignations as men went south to join Confederate forces at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861. Although few enlisted men quit, 20 officers out of a total of 63 either resigned or were dismissed. They included some of the Corp's most able men, and all but one of these served in the Confederate States Marine Corps at some time during the war. This title looks at the Marines on both sides during the American Civil War. It examines their history, weapons, uniforms, equipment and battle experiences.

Book 134

Buffalo Soldiers 1892-1918

by Ron Field

Published 11 October 2005
The segregated regiments of African-American troops represented an important minority in the small US Army at the turn of the 20th century. Units saw service in the Spanish-American War, in the Philippines jungle until 1902 and during the Mexican border campaign of 1916. Finally, in France 1917-18, black units suffered nearly 6,000 casualties, and four regiments were cited for their bravery. Despite suffering racial discrimination, they served with courage and discipline. This book covers the often ignored part of the Buffalo soldiers in these campaigns and the several different field uniforms worn during this period.