page_title: United States Colored Troops
hierarchical_section_title: United States Colored Troops
caption_attribution_description: English: Come and Join Us Brothers, by the Supervisory Committee For Recruiting Colored Regiments
context_page_description: The United States Colored Troops were regiments in the United States Army composed primarily of African-American soldiers, although members of other minority groups also served with the units. They were first recruited during the American Civil War, and by the end of the war in 1865, the 175 USCT regiments constituted about one-tenth of the manpower of the Union Army. About 20% of USCT soldiers died, a rate about 35% higher than that of white Union troops. Despite heavy casualties, many fought with distinction, 15 USCT soldiers receiving the Medal of Honor and numerous others receiving other honors.
  The USCT regiments were precursors to the Buffalo Soldier regiments in the American Old West.
context_section_description: The United States Colored Troops (USCT) were regiments in the United States Army composed primarily of African-American (colored) soldiers, although members of other minority groups also served with the units. They were first recruited during the American Civil War, and by the end of the war in 1865, the 175 USCT regiments constituted about one-tenth of the manpower of the Union Army. About 20% of USCT soldiers died, a rate about 35% higher than that of white Union troops. Despite heavy casualties, many fought with distinction, 15 USCT soldiers receiving the Medal of Honor and numerous others receiving other honors.
  The USCT regiments were precursors to the Buffalo Soldier regiments in the American Old West.
caption: USCT recruiting poster
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