Floyd Henry Crumbly was born on May 10, 1859, to Robert and Mariah Crumbly. His father was a slave and his mother a free woman of color. In 1876, he enlisted as a Private in Company I of the 10th Cavalry and served until 1881. During his enlisted years he served in Texas and present-day Oklahoma campaigning against the Northern Cheyenne, eventually rising to become the post sergeant major at Fort Stockton, Texas. After his discharge he returned to Atlanta, where he served as a business owner and later founded the Negro Historical Society of Atlanta. He received an appointment to the city’s Black militia battalion and went on to serve his country again by obtaining a commission in 10th U.S. Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War, serving from July 1, 1898, to March 8, 1899. He then served with the 49th U.S. Volunteer Infantry during the Philippine Insurrection, leaving the military for good in 1901. Two years later he moved to Los Angeles, where the years of service began to take a toll on his health. Still, Crumbly volunteered yet again when America became involved in World War I, although he did not serve. In 1922, Crumbly was sent to the National Military Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Sawtelle, California, where he died on November 14, 1929. 

Los Angeles National Cemetery

Thank you Sir, for serving and loving a country, that did not necessarily love you back. Your service was not in vain, for your service as a Buffalo Soldier, opened up many doors for many to follow. Rest Easy. (fellow soldier)

Thanks for your faithful service, Sgt. Maj. It's men like you whose service helped make America great, despite our failings.

FLOYD H CRUMBLY

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