Saber of a Philippine Scout

[Spathologist]

On the evening of 23 November 1908, a group of prominent locals gathered in the small Ross family hotel in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to bid farewell to John Joseph Ross, newly commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts. There were the usual toasts and speeches from local celebrities and a former congressman or two, with interludes of music provided by the local belles and a dinner of oysters, turkey, veal, ham, salads, Rhine wine, and cigars.

 

As a mark of the community’s esteem, 2LT Ross was presented with a “handsome sword and revolver”, required equipment for a new officer. The sword had been purchased from the military goods establishment of George F. Buss, just down the road in Pittston, and engraved on the pommel by a local jeweler with the words “Presented to JJ ROSS 2nd Lieut. Phillippine Scouts U.S.A./by friends from Scranton Penna”.

 

 

 

 

The M1902 Army Officer’s Saber has a 32” blade, with a horn grip and non-magnetic furniture and scabbard. In a couple of wear points, it looks as though the scabbard is of heavy brass, nickel plated, which would be appropriate for the humid climate of the Philippines. It must have been a proud moment for the former Infantry sergeant and his family. The commission had been hard-won with long service in the Philippines and Cuba.

 

 

[Spathologist]

John Joseph Ross was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on 16 June 1877 to German immigrant parents. His first foray into military life was an enlistment on 6 June 1898 into Company C of the 13^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for service in the Spanish-American War. PVT Ross was initially stationed in Camp Alger, Virginia, a pestiferous swamp that killed 15 men of the 13^th. In August, 1898, PVT Ross returned to Pennsylvania with his unit in time to participate in the huge military parade of the Philadelphia Peace Jubilee. In November, the 13^th was ordered to Camp Mackenzie, Georgia, to be held in reserve for the occupation of Cuba. When it became apparent that the services of the 13^th would not be required they were returned to Pennsylvania. PVT Ross mustered out with his unit in Scranton in March 1899.

 

After mustering out, Ross worked as a bookkeeper at the family hotel until enlisting as a private soldier for 3 years’ regular service on 17 March 1902. He was assigned to Company D of the 17^th Infantry Regiment. He rose steadily through the ranks, promoted to Corporal on 21 March 1903 and to Sergeant on 6 November 1904. He reupped in Zamboanga in 1905 and again in 1908, with service characterized as excellent. He saw action on several occasions against the Moros, including the January 1905 assault on Laksamana Usap’s cotta in Jolo under COL H.L. Scott of the 14^th Cavalry. SGT Ross also leveraged his bookkeeping experience to manage the unit commissary books and perform other staff functions.

 

In February of 1908, SGT Ross submitted an application for a commission as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts. He was supported in this by letters from his current and former officers, all of whom characterized SGT Ross as an intelligent, disciplined, and capable NCO who had every promise of performing well as an officer. His application was subsequently approved, and he was discharged from the Regular Army on 26 October 1908 for the purpose of accepting a commission as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts.

 

[Spathologist]

2LT Ross departed San Francisco on 8 December 1908, aboard the USAT Buford. He reported to the 12^th Company of Philippine Scouts on 12 January 1909, headquartered at Camp Wilhelm in Tayabas, and busied himself with patrols, topographical surveys, exchange officer duties, and various details.

On 19 April 1911, he was transferred to the 22^nd Company of Philippine Scouts. On 4 December 1911, 2LT Ross was medically discharged from the Philippine Scouts and granted a pension.

 

After his discharge, John Ross worked as a traveling salesman throughout the Northeast and Midwest. He was admitted to the Veterans Administration Facility at Castle Point, New York, on 4 June 1940, where he passed from lung cancer on 29 June. He is interred at the Long Island National Cemetery, Section D, Grave 823.

[gunbarrel]

A very nice piece of history. Excellent research.

 

Well done, Varangian!

[SARGE]

A wonderful sword and an excellent rendition of the service of Lt. Ross.

[Spathologist]

Thanks!

 

No heroics as far as I can tell...the Philippines were quieter during the period he was a Scout. Ross did a lot of topographical survey work until his discharge.