Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), US Army

Field and Staff, First Washington Regiment of U.S. Volunteers, 1st Division, Eighth Army Corps

Summer 1881 First Lieutenant (1LT) in "Tacoma Rifles" National Guard Washington (N.G.W.)

1 Oct 1887 Captain, Commanding Company C, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, N.G.W.

2 Jul 1891 Called out with his company to respond to Washington Coal Miner's Strike of 1891

1 Oct 1894 N.G.W. reorganized, elected Colonel, General Staff, Inspector of Rifle Practice

May 1898 Prior to the organization of the Separate Battalion, on May 9th, orders had been received to send the First Battalion of the Washington Regiment, under the command of Colonel William J. Fife, to San Francisco, California to report on arrival to the Commanding General, Department of California. This
Battalion consisted of Companies A, B, D and E, commanded by Major John J. Weisenberger, and
embarked at Tacoma on the Steamship "Senator" on May 10th. After an uneventful voyage, this
battalion arrived safely at San Francisco and were quartered in the large brick warehouse of Fontana and Company, afterwards called Fontana Barracks.

1 Jul 1898 Second Battalion, under command of Lt. Col. W. J. Fife proceeded from Fontana Barracks to Angel Island and there went into garrison. Lt. Col. Fife assumed command of that post which was formerly commanded by General Shafter.

19 Oct 1898 The Second Battalion left Angel Island, embarked on the United States Transport "Valencia", steamed out of San Francisco Bay and was on the way to Manila with the advance guard of the Washingtonians. The "Valencia" touched at Honolulu to coal, where a few pleasant days were spent. It arrived at Manila on November 22nd, after a pleasant and uneventful voyage, no accident or serious illness occurring to mar the enjoyment of the trip. Following its arrival in the Philippines, the First Washington Infantry was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, 8th Army Corps and shortly thereafter was reassigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, with General Charles King as Brigade Commander and General Thomas N. Anderson, Division Commander.

4 Feb-27 Jul 1898 Regiment saw action at Santa Ana, Paco Church, Guadalupe, San Pedro Mecati, Pateros, Laguna de Bay, Taguig, Santa Cruz, Paete-Lumpan, Morong, and Calamba. Battle losses were 26 killed and 103 wounded.

Added for Veteran Project on 11 Jan 2024 by Jon M. Newton 48932039 p=""

=========

Los Angeles Times Obituary Jun. 22, 1911

VETERANS FIRE LAST SALUTE

Military Burial Accorded Spanish War Officer in Rosedale Cemetery.

Many Sorrowful Friends Attend.

Many of his friends and his comrades in the Spanish War yesterday attended the military funeral of Lieut.-Col. W. J. Fife. The services began at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at the Fife residence, No. 909 East Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. Rev. George C. Patterson officiated. The pall-bearers were Capt. A. C. F. Dee, D.A. Harbour, E. J. Louis, J. K. Polk, George Triggs and Palmer Reed, all Spanish War veterans.

Interment was made in the veteran's plot at Rosedale Cemetery and the veterans took full charge of the services at the grave. In the absence of Chaplain J. F. Ormsby, B. H. Harbour officiated as acting chaplain. Commander W. W. Cooper of Roosevelt Camp No. 9 presided. The regular ritualistic service was used. Taps was sounded by Corp. Charles Z. Bailey, and the salute was fired by a squad from Co. B, Seventhy Regiment, N.G C.