After his graduation, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the 6th United States Infantry.

There was a 39th United States Infantry raised in Tennessee for service in the War of 1812.

He followed by rail with 80 enlisted men of the 3rd United States Infantry.

At the outbreak of World War I, he volunteered in the United States Infantry.

After the battle, he was a major of the 6th United States Infantry.

The 39th United States Infantry was a regiment of the regular Army.

In 1847 he was appointed second lieutenant in the 9th United States Infantry.

In 1855, he returned to the regular army and was commissioned captain of Company I, 10th United States Infantry.

He served as a first Lieutenant in the 105th United States Infantry, 27th Division, with overseas service, in 1917 and 1918.

While still recovering, he was promoted to colonel of the 22nd United States Infantry.