The regiment was trained as a combat unit but later relegated to non-combat duty and served in that capacity in World War II until its deactivation in The 10th Cavalry was reactivated as an integrated combat unit in The Indians gave them the appellation because of the similarity of the soldiers' tightly textured short hair to the fur of the buffalo.
The description of the Arms is different from that used today, and has no functional difference except for symbolism. The following is gathered from many heraldic and military sources.
Above the shield is part of the distinctive unit insignia , the "Buffalo" American Bison. On the arms it faces left, which represents the western movement of the early unit across the United States. The black and gold on which the buffalo stands are "the colour of the negro" and the "refined gold" which the regiment represents. The left side is for the 43 years of service β in the American West that were formative for the 10th Cavalry. The blue represents the sky and open plains of the west.
The ceremonial war bonnet and eagle feathers honors the respect of the Native American tribes. The tomahawk and stone axe with the heads down indicate peace achieved. The vertical red and white stripes are for 13 major campaigns. Upper right. The Castilian Coat of Arms , without the crown, represents the SpanishβAmerican War and indirectly the Philippine Insurrection where the 10th helped liberate Cuba and fought in the Philippines β Lower right. The black background is the African-American ancestry.
Within the yellow pyramid triangle is a symbol of the sun and 3 stars. Under the original description [ 5 ] of the Arms this is described as "In base sable, the Katipunan device on its base, thereon the sun in its splendour, between three mullets, one and two, all or. An inaccurate and informal interpretation of the lower right section by several veterans and groups of the 10th describe that section as follows; the sun with its rays showing the rebirth of the 10th as cavalry.
