Cathy Williams, Buffalo Soldier

Cathy Williams was the first documented woman to enlist in the United States Army. By disguising herself as a man after the Civil War, she joined the Buffalo soldiers in protecting the expanding Western states. This regiment of African American soldiers was a loyal group. They had the lowest desertion rate in the army even though they operated with the worst equipment and under the harshest conditions in the military. Cathy's efforts as a soldier earned her an adequate salary and a small place in history.Cathy did not set out to become the first female soldier or prove that women could fight as well as men. Her goal was nothing more than to earn a living independent of friends and family. A former slave, Cathy was unable to read or write and had few employment opportunities, so she grabbed the first one she could. In doing so, she became a daring and courageous role model for all those seeking to better their lives.