Charles Young

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: May's Lick, KY

Branch of Service: United States Army

Rank: Colonel

Young entered West Point on June 10, 1884 to become only the ninth African American to attend the Academy and only the third to graduate. Young served in the 9th Cavalry at western posts and rose to the rank of captain, fought with distinction in the Phillipine-American War, winning the praise of his commanders for his troops’ courage and decorum in and out of combat.

He also served as the military attaché to Liberia, helping to train the Liberian Frontier Force, and then served as a squadron commander during the Punitive Expedition in Mexico against Pancho Villa. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Agua Caliente, leading his men to the aid of a cavalry unit that had been ambushed. A Man of Honor, Integrity, Intellect , and a true Friend to all!

To demonstrate his fitness to serve, Young, then 54, made a historic 500-mile horseback ride from Wilberforce, Ohio, to Washington, D.C.

Age: 57

Date of Death: January 08, 1922