the 1st ohio reported to port tampa, florida on july 12, for transportation to cuba, but its sailing was delayed due to a shortage of transports and as a result, the regiment did not see action in the spanish–american war. day however, later saw action in the philippines against the moros. after postings to various units, he served as the colonel of his old unit, the 9th cavalry, for a year before retiring from the army in 1912.