On July 1, 1898, their were two peaks charged by American forces in Cuba for the Spanish American War. Involved in the fight were African American regular army troops fighting overseas in a foriegn country for the first time, before World War I. These were the first generation from former slaves who were allowed to leave the U.S. to represent our country. Of the 24th were many marksmen and sharpshooters who far surpassed the reknown "Rough Riders".My great grandfather, Pvt. Dock Burton was identified as the first American, facing superior fire, to reach the crest of the Peak These soldiers actually "took" San Juan Peak before Roosevelt, who led a charge up Kettle Hill. Due to the bigotry of the times, for over 100 years, no one has spoken up for these heroes. Finally, I Alonzo Burton Hayes, great grandson of the real first man to the top of the hill, demand Congress and President Obama finally give these legendary men their due. "HONOR THE 24th" Honor the 24th!