Scott Wolfinger

Farewell to a Legend: Last Surviving Buffalo Soldier, Robert W. Dixon, Dies at 103 Today, we honor the extraordinary life of Robert Walter Dixon, the last surviving Buffalo Soldier, who passed away on November 15, 2024, at the age of 103. Born in 1921 in Manhattan, Dixon enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 at the start of World War II. He proudly served as a corporal in the Buffalo Soldiers regiment, where he and his fellow troops trained cadets at West Point in horseback riding and mounted tactics. These soldiers not only served their country but also broke barriers in the face of segregation and inequality. After the war, Dixon continued to exemplify leadership and service. He worked at IBM in Poughkeepsie, rising to become a manager before retiring in 1977. In his later years, he dedicated himself to his community in Albany, serving as a pastor and a civic leader. He chaired the city's Community Police Review Board and led efforts to memorialize the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2021, Dixon returned to West Point for the dedication of a monument honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, a powerful reminder of the regiment's contributions and his role in shaping history. Robert W. Dixon’s life was one of resilience, courage, and service. His passing marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on the living legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers. He leaves behind his wife, Georgia, and an enduring impact on the country he served. Rest in power, Corporal Robert W. Dixon. Your legacy will never be forgotten. 👇 nytimes.com/2024/11/27/us/ro…