Moses Williams, born on October 10, 1845, in Carrollton, Louisiana. In 1866, he enlisted in the 9th Cavalry, one of two newly authorized African-American cavalry regiments. These regiments gained fame as the "Buffalo Soldiers" while serving on the Western frontier. While in New Mexico, the 9th Cavalry was embroiled in the Victorio War of 1879-1880 and a sequel known as Nana's Raid in 1881. Chief Victorio and his Warm Springs Apaches took to the hills, raiding farms and ranches rather than submitting to life on the reservation. It took a year to run Victorio to ground, but even after his death and the capture of most of his band, an old warrior named Nana escaped and, with about 40 others, continued raiding. A detachment of 22 troopers, including Williams, caught up with Nana on August 16, 1881. A running battle ensued, ending with a determined stand by the Apaches. During the fight, Williams repeatedly led flanking attacks. At one point, he personally rallied the detachment and brought it back into the fight. When the outnumbered cavalry was forced to withdraw, Williams and his lieutenant stood up to draw the enemy's fire enabling the unit to rescue three cut-off troopers. In 1896, he was awarded a Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry that day. Williams retired as an Ordnance Sergeant in 1898 after 32 years of service.

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