Regardless of the rapidly advancing tools of the 20thcentury, some legends of the Wild West would die hard.
After Geronimo had surrendered in 1886, the number of Apache scouts had declined dramatically.
By 1915, there were little more than 20 left in U.S. service.
Apache scouts in October 1916, during the Mexican Punitive Expedition. They carry M1903 Springfield rifles and M1911 pistols. Image: U.S. National Archives
Standard procedure in the U.S. Army was to enlist an Apache scout using an Anglo name or nickname.
Shoot em All!
The Apaches had a long-standing hatred of the Mexicans and this manifested itself frequently during the Punitive Expedition.
The Apache scouts were distinguished by their unparalleled tracking skills and their unbridled animosity toward Mexicans. Image: U.S. National Archives
To their direct minds there was only one line of conduct: Heap much Mexican, shoot em all!
They had to be watched carefully when out of camp to be kept from putting this principle into practice.
But for get results, he must be allowed to play that game in his own way.
This extreme caution…is one of the qualities that makes him a perfect scout.
It would be almost impossible to surprise an outfit that had a detachment of Apache scouts in its front.
In 1918, H.B.
The scouts were mostly outfitted in U.S. Army uniforms, although a fair amount of leniency is displayed in their dress code. Image: U.S. National Archives
Wharfield was a lieutenant commanding Apache scouts.
Their operations were in accordance with the Apaches natural habits of scouting and fighting.
At night most of them came in, leaving a few of the scouts posted as lookouts.
The hunter: General John Pershing ordered the enlistment of 17 recruits for the Apache scouts during April 1916. Image: Library of Congress
An Apache never wanted to be surprised, and all of their movements were based on that principle.
Always they sought for an advantage over the foe and retreated rather than expose themselves to gun fire.
These characteristics made the Apache an invaluable scout in the field for operations with troops.
The hunted: Mexican terrorist Pancho Villa. Image: Library of Congress
Even so, his men never raided the United States again.
While the Apache scout force may be long gone, the 1911 is still around and kicking.
Saddle up with one in your holster today.
Gunslingers with M1911 pistols. The Apache scouts First Sergeant is seen at left. He was described as “able to track any man across any terrain.” Image: U.S. National Archives
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1911Mil-Spec
The 1911 Mil-Spec from Springfield Armory gives you an affordably priced pistol inspired by the U.S. military classic.
