Tragedy of Honor

By David L Duroy

Serving their country in time of war and peace only to face racism back in their homeland. We follow Tom, the son of a Buffalo Soldier at the turn of the twentieth century as he learns what it means to be a Black soldier in the United States Army from his father stationed in the West.
After a family disaster, Tom and his mother are forced to survive in the seedy streets of Chicago to support themselves until Tom eventually follows in his father's footsteps and becomes a Buffalo Soldier himself.
Years of war in the Philippines and guarding the borders of the American West find Tom and the men of the Twenty Fourth Infantry until the dawn of World War I, when he and his men are assigned to the city of Houston to guard the construction site of Camp Logan, a training center for troops to be sent to war in Europe.
The all Black units first assignment in a city of the Deep South is littered with racism and violence against the veteran soldiers during this time of Jim Crow laws. Proud and not willing to bow to the archaic laws of the South, Tom and his unit go on the offensive in what becomes known as "The Houston Mutiny of 1917".

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Duroy
• Release date: Dec 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386590125

Book preview

Tragedy of Honor

Chapter 1

Tom gave Bernie the look. The same one they used in every game. The hard thrown ball snapped into Tom’s glove.

Out, the umpire yelled.

That's two outs, one more time then dinnertime, said Tom.

Bernie laughed. Tom always made him laugh with his wisecracking, although it caused trouble a couple of times in the past.

With no runners on base, Tom eased off of first when a lefty came to the plate. Halfway to second, he watched as the first two strikes swiffed by the batter and into the catcher's glove.

One more strike Bernie. Tom wanted to find a word that rhymed with Bernie, but hesitated.

Not that he was at a loss for words. Distracted by the sight of his mother out of the corner of his eye, Tom forgot about his discussion with Bernie. Mary never came to the neighborhood games to watch her son play. After working all day teaching, she usually came straight home on the cable car and cooked supper. The surprise of his mother's presence, not just walking up, but almost at a jog, shocked him. At first Tom thought something dreadful happened, then his mother smiled. He returned a grin.

Mary stood off to the side as the game played on. A swing of the bat and a loud crack. The left hander hit the ball hard and on the end of the bat. To Tom's dismay, the ball shot up the first base line. Tom moved so far over it seemed an impossible play. He ran straight down the baseline towards first base as the ball zipped down the line. He flung his body forward, towards the bag with his glove stretched out in front of him. The glove came down on the bag as the ball sank deep into it. The runner's foot stepped down hard on top of Tom's glove, but he held onto the ball. He did it. The Cheyenne street kids won. Almost immediately teammates piled onto his body as he lay in the dirt.

Tom peered through the limbs of players and over to Mary in the distance. Her smile turned serious. It was what mothers did when they are concerned for their child. With Tom's father away Mary was protective. The noise grew less as each team member peeled off. Finally, Tom stood and brushed the dirt out of his clothes. Mary's concern changed to a smile again.

I was a little worried about you Tom.

Oh that's nothing mom, I'm surprised you're here. Is everything ok at work?

Yes, everything is great son; in fact I have some news you may like to know. We are going to live with your father.

Tom had only seen his father Elijah, on a handful of occasions. In the Army and stationed in Utah at Fort Duchesne did not present the opportunity for a visit often. A few months ago Elijah wrote Mary he wanted to bring her to the fort, as they sometimes hired wives of the soldiers in the laundry. Months passed. Not hearing from her husband since then, Mary settled into life with Tom in Chicago.

Mom, are we really going to stay with dad?

Yes, we are. I received the telegraph from your father this morning for us to be at the train station in a week. I quit my job right after. Are you excited?

Yes, I think so. He said with some hesitation.

Tom could not concentrate on anything. His body still in Chicago, his mind already in Utah. He remembered the stories of the Ute Indians and the wild country of Utah his father told him on his infrequent visits. He would miss Bernie and the others, but this didn't stay in his mind long as he thought of his adventure. Tom would be with his dad and the Buffalo soldiers. How the neighborhood kids would envy him, he thought.

Finished packing in two days, Tom spent the rest of the week with his foot tapping the floor. The passing of time came to a stop. Only getting out of the house and visiting Bernie helped take his mind off of the wait.

What are you going to do in Utah?

I'm going to be a Buffalo soldier.

Bernie laughed. You’re only 13 years old, you can't be a soldier.

I will be Bernie, you'll see. Tom grinned and punched Bernie in the chest.

Ouch. Bernie stepped back with the punch only to return Tom’s smile. Well how about I come with you and I'll be a Buffalo soldier too?

I think you are a little light skinned for the Buffalo soldiers. Besides, your folks need you here.

Tom wished Bernie could go though. His best friend since both could walk and play, he would be something familiar. After the excitement of going west and seeing his father passed, nervousness began to set in for Tom.

A couple of days passed. Tom did not speak much of the trip and less in general. Mary noticed. At supper she looked across the table at Tom. How are you?

I'm fine

Did you play ball today?

No.

What gives Tom?

What do you mean? Tom stared at his mother.

Son, most days I can't shut you up with your stories. Why are you so quiet?" The muscles in Tom's face relaxed as he fixated on his mother's eyes.

Are you surprised? I'm your mother, I know everything your feeling and thinking.

Mary's voice became soft. It’s ok to be scared Tom. This is the only life you know. All I can say is your father and I have been apart for long enough. He chose the army, but we are his family and should be a part of his life.

Mary looked away as she spoke. Tom knew his mother was a strong woman. She worked all day teaching the children of others, but always had supper ready when he came home. He never thought of his mother as lonely, but looking at her across the table tonight, he realized the truth. He and his mother should go to Utah.

Tom and Mary arrived early at Grand central station. Possessions down to a trunk and a couple of carpet bags. Mary sold and gave everything else away. Only the most important of items came with them.

Chapter 2

Tom what are you doing? Tom?

Tom heard of the grandeur of Grand Central, but never guessed the beauty of Chicago's newest train station. As soon as crossing through the doorway he locked into a daze at the tall ceiling. Adventure coursed through his veins. I'm a long way from little Cheyenne, he thought.

A soft hand lay on his shoulder, Tom jerked. Mary called his name more than once, but the site of Grand Central occupied his mind.

Oh, sorry mom.

Mary laughed. It’s alright, I think you're going to see a few things soon which will amaze you.

The train pulled away from the station as Tom and Mary settled into their seats. The journey, an arduous one consisted of travel by train for a week, then overland by wagon for two more days. As the train rocked back and forth, Tom thought about how important his father must be. Traveling across the country to be part of Fort Duchesne and the Buffalo Soldiers gave him little less to think about. Proud of his father's service, now he would be a part of it. How he wanted to see his father astride a powerful horse, charging against hordes of Indians, Sharps carbine in hand. 

Mom, how did dad come to become a Buffalo Soldier?

You sure you want to hear about this now? You look like the train is about to put you to sleep.

I’m sure. I’m not even tired yet.

Mary looked out the window and began. Well your father and I met back home in Tennessee as you know. We were both nineteen years old. Times were tough for a young black man to find work, so we moved to Chicago. Your dad took a job cleaning rail cars. He was happy for a while, or so I thought he was. The next thing I know he came home and said he needed more out of life.

He said if he had to clean one more railcar he would go crazy. Your dad never liked to be tied down too much. He came out and said he wanted to join the army. It shocked me. I didn’t understand why he wanted to leave us and was afraid we would lose him. You were not even born yet and I was scared to death. I told him it wasn’t fair to us. Your father though, would not be hemmed in.

I didn’t know you were so against it.

Oh, I didn’t like it at all, but there was nothing I could do. He told me to trust him and it’s not like I didn’t have a choice. He promised we would be with him one day. He always sent his paycheck home and came to visit when he could. No matter where he lay his head, Texas, New Mexico or Arizona, he made sure he wrote to us. I have to tell you though son, I miss him so much. Mary looked down at her hands resting in her own lap, It will be good to be with your father."

Tom’s eyes, heavy now from the swaying of the train pressed his head into the back of the seat.

I thought you weren’t tired.

Tom smiled with his mother’s words, closing his eyes he fell asleep.

Mary and Tom arrived at Fort Duchesne after a two week journey. First by trains, then a final haunch of 80 miles in a buck board wagon over wild terrain. Their driver, an elderly man in army uniform with skin weathered to the tone of dry leather, drove the cart without saying much the entire trip. Topping a hill, the fort appeared in the distance. Tom saw by his mother's face it did not live up to her expectations.

This is it? she asked the driver

Yesem It aint much, but its home."

Oh Lord. Mary said out loud.

We built this fort with our own hands with some used wood, a little adobe and what we could scavenge. It may not look like much, but without it, there would probably be a lot of dead people around. Now you wait until Friday night when the amusement hall fires up, you'll see what we done here."

Tom saw his mother flush. She touched a nerve with the driver.

Well, I'm sure we will find a home here sir. Mary said in a soft reassuring voice.

Tom thought the subject was closed, but the driver went on. Now you should have seen it ten years ago. Lots of trouble in them days. The local people didn't see it too fit for a bunch of Negroes to come here. When the Indians, seen us coming they almost revolted, they didn't want no Buffalo Soldiers.

So nobody wants us here? Tom asked from the back of the wagon. 

We all get along now. Those Indians don't give us any trouble anymore either."

You mean there is no fighting Indians no more?

Anymore, Mary corrected Tom.

Anymore? Tom corrected.

The driver looked back at Tom with a smile on his face, obviously amused his mother corrected him. No not anymore young Tom. Indians figured it don't do no good to fight against the Buffalo soldiers. They know the Buffalo soldier don't have nothin to lose and won't run.

As the wagon traveled further towards the fort down into the basin, Tom poked his head up and began peering around the area. The chill of the air stung his face as he looked at the entrance of the fort. Even though the fort was still a few hundred feet away, he had a full view of the layout from his vantage point. He spotted a man on a horse burst out of the front gate. A magnificent site, the horse and rider drove hard towards them. The brim of the man's hat, too large to seem real, peeled back against the wind made by the speed of the horse. Tom watched in wonder as the horse flew towards them, beast and man riding as one. It appeared as if the hooves of the horse never touched, every few feet he could see a burst of dry dust kick up from the ground. Steam spewing out of the beast's nose as it approached. The rider grew closer, Tom made out a face. Was it his dad?

As if Mary read his thoughts, she called out Elijah!

The rider pulled back hard on the rains, the horse slid to a stop in front of the wagon. Even before the horse finished his slide, Elijah was off the horse and on his feet.

Hello Mary.

Mary rose from her seat and felt her legs give way, crashing back onto the wooden seat of the wagon. Elijah let out a deep loud laugh at the site of his wife almost fainting in his presence. Mary smiled and took Elijah's outstretched hand.

Hello Husband, Mary blushed like the girl in Tennessee when they first met, it’s been too long.

Before she knew it she was standing, pressed against him, head buried into his chest.

And what do we have here Mary? Did you bring some man with you? Staring into Tom's direction.

Yes I did, and one that looks just like you Elijah.

It's me dad. Tom.

Tom? You ain't Tom. Tom is a little boy. He looked at Mary. This is some grown up man.

Tom's chest swelled at the thought of his father calling him grown. No dad, really it's me.

Oh I don't know, let me get a closer look. Elijah reached into the back of the wagon, with one hand grabbed Tom by the collar and lifted him out and onto the ground.

Well you are a little short to be all grown up. Walking in a circle around Tom he placed his pointing finger to his own mouth. Hmm, you do kinda look like me. Leaning over he put his nose to Tom's head. And you do kinda smell like me.

Mary now laughing, Enough Elijah, give that boy a hug. Elijah broke out into an even larger laugh than before. Grasping his son, he pulled him in. Welcome home Tom.

Tom grew accustomed to army life. Each morning at reveille he walked with his mom to see his father and the other soldiers stand at attention as the flag raised over the fort. Tom, enamored by the bugler could not wait each day for the assembly of trumpeters for reveille, stable call, sick call and others. Tom learned them all. Taps, an ancient sound spoke to the soul, by far his favorite, created an excitement for him each time it played.

Afterwards Tom helped his mother set up the wash of clothing. Going from teaching school in Chicago to washing undergarments at an army fort was an adjustment for her. After a few weeks she received permission to begin teaching two days a week to local Ute Indian children. Tom’s dad told her the commandant would not put up with it, but his mother had a way of convincing people. A local school donated old books for the kids to practice reading.

The majority of her and Tom’s days were at the wash though. Not once did he hear her complain and even noticed a peace, which never before resided within her. The family together now, any fear of losing Elijah to the Army did not come true. She and Tom uprooted their lives in Chicago to make it happen, but they were a family again.

As most young men have in common, Tom could not work all hours of the day. His mother gave him plenty of time to be a young man in a wild and wonderful place. During play Tom learned every nook and cranny of Fort Duchesne. The old driver of the wagon did not lie. The fort, fashioned out of any piece of wood and earth scavenged by the men, made a site among the surrounding mountains. Officer’s quarters, nicest of all the buildings, mainly due to the fact that officer’s wives, allowed to live in the fort, gave the quarters a certain touch the barracks never received.  A mess hall, commissary and hospital built on one end of the fort stood out against the barracks and stables for the horses. With white troops and Buffalo Soldiers stationed at the fort, separate barracks sprang up to house the two races.

Tom spent most of his free time inside the fort, running around and crawling under the different buildings. Although the barracks were strictly segregated, there never seemed to be an issue for the soldiers for Tom to come and go as he pleased among the barracks of the white soldiers. After a while, some of the white soldiers, many who could not read or write had Tom read to them from a book. They gazed in astonishment as Tom read the stories they themselves could not. Whether pure astonishment or they thought it funny to have Tom stand and read to them, Elijah put a stop to it as soon as he saw Tom coming out of the white soldier’s barracks one evening. 

What are you doing in there?

I was talking to the soldier's, Tom responded.

Elijah knelt down until he was looking into Tom's eyes. I don't want you going in there.

Tom cocked his head sideways. He understood the barracks were divided between the white soldiers and the Buffalo Soldiers. He understood even back in Chicago where most neighborhoods and schools had a mixture of people of all races most of the time it was smart to put your head down and not bring attention to yourself, but he enjoyed readings with the men." 

Those men are nice to me dad.

Look son, you're a kid and they like having you around, but one day it won't be that way. Elijah saw Tom didn't fully comprehend what he said. Looking away for a moment he gathered himself and looked back into Tom's eyes with a seriousness Tom had never seen from his father.

I haven't always been around for you son, but you gotta listen to me. I'm your father and I'm telling you I don't want you back in there. If I catch you in there again I'm gonna give you a lickin like you never had.

Tom's eyes widened and tears filled his eyes. His father never spoke to him like this. It was a sadness and fear Elijah recognized immediately. Softening his voice, he placed both hands on Tom's shoulders.

I don't mean to upset you. There are things you don't understand about being grown up. Now go find somewhere to play and don't worry about the barracks anymore.

Head down, Tom walked away pushing back tears. It wasn't the fact his father had spoken in such a harsh manner.  It was fear. He saw fear in his father’s eyes. He didn't understand it, but there it was. Tom never forgot what he saw in his father. They would never speak of it again, but Tom would never go into the white soldier's barracks at Fort Duchesne again.

Chapter 3

One could not imagine the playground found in the natural setting around the fort for a child. Winter brought people huddled together in the buildings for warmth and most did not venture out. Only patrols dared go out into the frozen land outside the parameter.

Spring brought with it a zest for fun and life for a child. After helping his mom set up the wash, Tom spent most of his free time exploring the area outside the fort. Climbing boulders larger than some buildings back in Chicago and running through the open fields of blooming flowers, chasing quail nestled under bushes became his pastime. What he enjoyed the most was fishing in the Duchesne River. Sometimes his mother wrapped leftovers from supper into a sack for him to take to the river for lunch. "If you’re going to be gone all day you better have something to