Discover Worcester County - March On: Soldiers
Edward Johnson, Sr. |
The 20th century brought much hope, but many difficulties remained for African-Americans on the Eastern Shore with continued segregation and outbreaks of racism. As in wars past, local black residents served bravely in World War I, World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Continuing a tradition established after the Civil War were the Buffalo soldiers who started out as members of the all-black 10th Cavalry Regiment sent west to keep peace between native Americans, white soldiers, and settlers. In a segregated armed forces, the 10th Calvary's "Buffalo soldiers" served later with Teddy Roosevelt when he and his "Rough Riders" stormed San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War in 1898, and even afterwards, during World Wars I and II as well as Korea.
Lt. Col. Edward P. Drummond, Jr. |
One of the last of a group of enlistees to serve as a Buffalo soldier was Worcester County native, Edward Johnson, who was born in Snow Hill on December 2, 1918. He enlisted in the 10th Calvary Unit in 1939 just prior to turning 21. Trooper Edward Johnson served in the United States Armed Forces for over 31 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1971.
One of the hundreds who served in the United States Air Force was Lieutenant Colonel Edward P. Drummond, Jr. Born in the African-American community of Unionville, west of Pocomoke City, he later entered the last class of pilots to train at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. He went on to dedicate 25 years of his adult life to the United States Air Force, retiring in 1970. Lieutenant Colonel Edward P. Drummond, Jr. Amassed over 6000 flying hours during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and he was highly decorated for that service.
Copywriting by Paul Touart
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