TROOPER James H. Critchfield  The Ninth and Tenth Cavalry Regiments were commanded by white officers, some were good and some did not make the grade. 

Trooper Critchfield was rated by his men, as a very good officer. This is his story, and experiences with the 10th Cavalry Regiment.

In 1940 most of the officers in every cavalry regiment were Regular Army. All but chaplains and medical officers were white. The great influx of reserves was just ahead.

Born and raised in North Dakota against the traditions of the Great Plains, I had, prior to this assignment, virtually no contact with what today are described as "Black Americans".

In 1940 I was transferred from the 4th U.S. Cavalry to the 10th U.S. Cavalry. This was my first exposure to a subtle version of the discrimination that existed among many in the military services at that time. The 10th Cavalry, which had provided "school troops" at Leavenworth, was assembled in new World War II barracks and stables at Camp Funston, a part of the Fort Riley reservation. 

I became the regimental communication officer with a platoon consisting of one Master Sergeant and one private -- no equipment at all. I managed to bring-the platoon up to a strength of perhaps 25. When most of a "big band" from Kansas City enlisted en masse at Leavenworth with an agreement that they would not go to the regimental band. 

My Job was to teach the platoon to be disciplined, military in appearance, to march, to ride and to operate radios. It was a challenge and a thoroughly rewarding experience. Jazz musicians made great radio operators.

The Commanders of the 10th Cavalry regiment were Colonel Paul Davison, a USMA class of 1939 graduate,and Colonel B.O. Davis Sr.; He would be appointed the first Black General in US Army a year later, both were distinguished officers.

After Pearl Harbor, the 10th moved to Camp Lockett, on the Mexican border. Throughout 1941 to 1943 we pursued an intensive and sustained training program including weeks of field exercises along the Mexican border and major maneuver in Louisiana and East Texas with 1st Cavalry Division and other major units of infantry, cavalry and artillery. After layers of training, discipline, growing competence and in spite of the disadvantages of segregation, much pride and esprit. For me it was a revealing and remarkably satisfying experience. 

After Landing in Oran, North Africa in 1944, we were shocked to learn that the 10th was to be deactivated, its colors returned to the U.S. and its personnel processed through replacement depots. We held a final dress parade for the occasion.

I had received orders for another assignment. As I was about to depart, I noticed the three senior non-commissioned officers of the regiment approaching me -- Sergeant Major Stafford and Master Sergeants Watkins and Ellis. After saluting and remaining rigidly at attention, each of the three made a short statement taking note of all that we had experienced together. It was a sad and bitter moment.We all knew that so much of our long effort to build a battle-ready unit was being cast to the winds. I was deeply moved, for the men of the 10th were furled and encased for shipment home. They were splendid soldiers, and kept together would have performed well on any mission given to them.

I emerged from the experiences with the 10th Cavalry with a new perspective and a deep conviction that full integration within the US Armed Forces was a national necessity.

Trooper Critchfield has retired from the US Army as a Colonel, and since WWII, he has observed with enormous interest and satisfaction the integration that has taken place within our armed services.

Today He is a proud member of the Ninth & Tenth (Horse) Cavalry Association, and reflects the days, when he served with the 10th Cavalry Regiment during WWII.