Although the war against Spain was over by the time the Iowa National Guard units reached the war zone, the 51st Iowa Infantry Volunteers did see combat action during the Philippine Insurgency (1898-1902). Soldiers and sailors, however, were more likely to die from disease than from battlefield injuries.
"This was my first battle. I experienced that trembling, fainting, fearful sensation that takes hold of the soldier not used to fighting. I took a pull at my canteen ... and then ran to the firing line at the edge of the woods."
— Private Joseph Markey, Company M, 51st, Iowa Volunteers, Guiguinto, Philippines