TAMPA, Fla. — Roy J. Caldwood, a 101-year-old Buffalo Soldier veteran, was named a “community hero” during this year’s Gasparilla parade.

He says that it was a moment he will not forget anytime soon.

“It was great!!” said Caldwood.

In recent years, the veteran has finally received recognition and awards that he deserved but never received after returning home from World War II. However, he says that everything changed when he moved to Tampa.

“I was in New York for 98 years. People didn’t even know me. I come here, and I’m invited to (Tampa) City Hall. They give me all kinds of gifts. They give me a day,” he said.

April 5 has been officially declared as Roy Caldwood Day in Tampa.

The Bronze Star recipient was 22 years old when he joined the all-Black 92nd Infantry Division in Italy as a medic. Caldwood would step in for patrols whenever a fellow soldier was sick. He also picked up Italian faster than others.

“We got into Italy,” he recalled. “There was nothing about color in all of Italy. Color was never mentioned unless there was a white person involved. Other than that, you didn’t know you were colored. It was great.”

The Buffalo Soldiers played a crucial role in turning the tide of World War II in Italy, and their bravery helped achieve a decisive victory that changed the course of the war.

“This picture was taken one day from when the Germans surrendered to us,” he said.

Despite Caldwood’s victory in Europe, his homecoming to America in 1946 was met with the harsh reality of segregation and Jim Crow laws.

“I knew that those prisoners they would come back home, they could come to the United States, and they would be treated better than I would be,” said Caldwood.

In 1948, President Harry Truman signed an executive order mandating the desegregation of the U.S. military.

Caldwood upholds the legacy of Buffalo Soldiers through community activities and youth education.

“It’s important that our children know our history,” he said. “It’s important that our children know how important that our blacks were in the Army. And to be in the war at that time.”  

His bravery and dedication to serving his country in the face of adversity have inspired younger generations.

“I just have to move. I do everything I can in the community,” he said.

He says that the impact of his legacy is his greatest reward.

Caldwood shares that his experience in the Army has prepared him to be a leader and a veteran advocate. He climbed the ranks to become the Assistant Deputy Warden at the infamous Rikers Island jail in New York City. In his book titled “Making the Right Moves,” he recounts his survival story of being taken hostage by inmates.

Since 2020, Caldwood has received the following recognitions and awards:

• Tampa 13th Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court — Honorary Membership Award: August 2022
• The Hillsborough Bar Association Recognition medal: 11/10/22
• The Tampa City Council commendation — WW2 Buffalo Soldier Army Service: 4/5/23
• City of Tampa Proclamation — “Roy J. Caldwood Day:” 4/5/23 by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor
• Advent Health Wellness Center Wesley Chapel, FL — Honorary Member Award: 4/12/23
• Tampa Buffalo Soldier Woods & Wanton Chapter Honorary Member Award: 6/3/23
• National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club Honorary Member Award: 7/28/23
• Saint Leo University “Living Legend” Award: 10/26/23
• West Point Excellence Award: 11/9/23
• New York City Veterans Services Award: 11/9/23
• New York City Army Recruiting Battalion Excellence Award: 11/9/23