John Alfred Philpot served as a Private in Company E of the 55th Pioneer Regiment, 42nd Division. Born in Martin County on September 31, 1897, to J. L. and Martha E. Philpot, he entered military service on August 5, 1917, in Williamston, North Carolina. After training at Camp Wadsworth and Camp Stuart, he sailed to Brest, France, in September 1918. Philpot was mustered out at Camp Lee, Virginia, in April 1919.
The compiled military service records of 1,235 Rough Riders, including Theodore Roosevelt, have been digitized. Each record features individual jackets detailing the soldier’s name, organization, rank, and medical records. The records also contain personal information and documentation descriptions. Discharges occurred for various reasons, such as age, ability, discipline issues, or hardship. This initiative provides significant insights into the personnel of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry during the Spanish-American War.