CATHAY WILLIAMS
 

An African-American soldier who enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay. She was the first Blackwoman to enlist, and the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army posing as a man during the American Indian Wars.​ Because of the prohibition against women serving in the military, Cathay Williams enlisted in the United States Regular Army under the false name of "William Cathay"on November 15, 1866, at St. Louis, Missouri, for a three-year engagement, passing herself off as a man. She was assigned to the 38th United States Infantry Regiment.