United States Colored Troops
American Civil War military unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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United States Colored Troops (USCT) were Union Army regiments during the American Civil War that primarily comprised African Americans, with soldiers from other ethnic groups also serving in USCT units. Established in response to a demand for more units from Union Army commanders, by the end of the war in 1865 USCT regiments, which numbered 175 in total, constituted about one-tenth of the manpower of the army. Approximately 20% of USCT soldiers were killed in action or died of disease and other causes, a rate about 35% higher than that of white Union troops. Numerous USCT soldiers fought with distinction, with 16 receiving the Medal of Honor. The USCT regiments were precursors to the Buffalo Soldier units which fought in the American Indian Wars.[1]
| USCT | |
|---|---|
| United States Colored Troops | |
USCT recruiting poster  Unidentified private  24th US Colored Troops banner  U.S. Colored Troops medal[lower-alpha 1] .jpg) Captain Meriam[lower-alpha 2] | |
| Active | May 22, 1863 – Oct 1865 |
| Disbanded | October 1865 |
| Allegiance | Union |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineering |
| Size | 175 regiments; 178,000 men |
| Motto(s) | Sic semper tyrannis "Thus always to tyrants" |
| Engagements | American Civil War |