The Buffalo 92nd Infantry Division [Six Issues]

“A Combat Paper for Combat Men”

This uncommon collection consists of six issues of The Buffalo, the official newsletter of the 92nd Infantry Division (Buffalo Soldiers). Each includes stories of valor, amusing cartoons, helpful tips, pinup girls, and other content designed to improve morale and inform the troops. The group consists of the following:

• Vol. 4 No. 10 – Printed on brittle news sheet that shows numerous tears and old tape repairs. Published at Fort Huachuca, Arizona on June 17, 1944 (ten days after D-Day). Features a cover photo of four divisional winners in the Arizona State Boxing Championship and has headlines including ‘Colorful Program Marks Infantry Day’ and ‘Learn How to Handle Mines and Traps.’ Additional contents include stories on the 370th and 365th Infantry Regiments and a map of the English Channel titled “A Bomber’s Eye View of the Invasion Coast.”
• Vol. 5 No. 9 – Published ‘Somewhere in Italy’ on January 15, 1945. Highlights the importance of medical staff and offers tips on avoiding trench foot.
• Vol. 5 No. 11 – Published ‘Somewhere in Italy’ on January 29, 1945. The front cover features a striking cartoon of a helmeted skull asking itself “…Maybe I talked too much?” Includes a demobilization chart reprinted from Yank Magazine, as well as entries on the Breckenridge, Robinson, and Atterbury Raiders. The back cover shows an additional map ‘Berlin Bound’ and the Girl of the Week.
• Vol. 5 No. 14 – Published ‘Somewhere in Italy’ on February 19, 1945. The primary story follows General George Marshall’s visit to the 92nd Division on the front line. Other entries cover the Breckenridge, Robinson, and Atterbury Raiders, while the back cover features a ‘Pin-Up Lassie With Classy Chassis.’
• Vol. 5 No. 15 – Published ‘Somewhere in Italy’ on February 26, 1945. Features a Silver Star Roll of Honor (31 recipients), an article on Mountain Tactics, and updates on the Breckenridge, Robinson, and Atterbury Raiders.
• Vol. 5 No. 18 – Published ‘Somewhere in Italy’ on March 19, 1945 and featuring several stories, photographs, etc. on the divisional artillery, Silver Star recipients, and additional unit boxing prowess.

According to the National World War II Museum;

“The segregated 92nd Infantry Division, composed primarily of enlisted African American personnel and nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers,” was activated on October 15, 1942. Just two months later, the first issue of the division’s newspaper began circulating. Fittingly titled The Buffalo, the eight-page weekly aimed to keep the men informed about the progress of their training and carried a diverse selection of entertaining and educational columns, all for a nominal five cents. It ran for almost three years and published six volumes with more than 150 issues…

For nearly 35 consecutive months, the staff of The Buffalo upheld its promise to deliver the news to men of the 92nd Infantry Division, regardless of circumstances. It repeatedly surmounted obstacles, like the time the division went on maneuvers and it had to rig up a makeshift office in an abandoned PRO station. The copy had to be sent almost 200 miles away for printing.

The editorial team worked tirelessly to provide a publication that would bolster fortitude, inspire confidence, promote solidarity, and keep morale high. From the beginning, the staff knew that the paper would not only serve as the official organ for the 92nd Infantry but would also be “an informal record of our experiences with a great organization.” And they were right. Today, The Buffalo remains a rich, invaluable primary source that chronicles the exploits of the only Black division to fight in the European theater, from its activation through its dissolution.”

Sources: National WWII Museuem; Arizona State Library;