Hope this is the place for this type of question - My mom found a photo of my step fathers grandpa (or great grandpa) in their house and they had a couple questions about it that I hope someone here can answer. They THINK he served in the Spanish American War but aren't for sure, can anyone confirm or deny this by the uniform he is wearing (there is no year with the photo)? Second question is what in the world is that giant "pom pom" that he is standing in front of in the picture and what is it used for? Thanks!
I can't tell from the uniform, but if you tell (or PM) me the man's name and if you know his date of birth, I can look him up for you in genealogy databases that might include his service record.
He was a Master Sergeant in the VIII Corps judging by his insignia and corps badge. So, yes Spanish American War, served in the Philippines. And, also, the Philippine American War which lasted longer than the Spanish American War. The Spanish American War lasted 8 months and ended at the end of December, 1898. The Philippine American War broke out about 6 weeks later and was fought by the same US soldiers. It ended in 1902, with some fighting continuing to 1906.
ETA: how to research your Spanish American War Veteran http://www.spanamwar.com/geneaol.htm
