The
10th Cavalry played an important role in the 1879-80 campaign against Chief
Victorio and his renegade band of Apaches. Victorio and his followers escaped
from their New Mexico reservation fled to Mexico. Col. Grierson and the 10th attempted to prevent Victorio's
return to the U.S., particularly his reaching New Mexico where there were Apaches still on reservations.
Two engagements halted Victorio and forced
him to retreat to Mexico. Although Victorio and his band were not captured, the
campaign conducted by the 10th was successful in preventing them from reaching
New Mexico and remaining Apaches on reservation land. The 10th's efforts at containment
served to exhaust the Apaches. Soon after
they crossed the border back into Mexico, Victorio and many of his warriors were killed by
Mexican troops.
In 1885, the regiment was transferred to the Department of Arizona and once again the 10th was involved in the arduous pursuit of renegade Apaches under the leadership of Geronimo, Mangus, and the Apache Kid. The Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries would go one to compile an enviable record of accomplishments and victories. Their ranks included sixteen Medal of Honor recipients. Elements of both regiments fought in Cuba during the War with Spain and participated in the famous charge on San Juan Hill. Troopers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment also rode with General John J. Pershing in 1916 during the punitive expedition in Mexico in search of Pancho Villa.