Upon America's entry into the European war he was elevated to the rank of Colonel.
At the breaking out of the Spanish-American war in 1898, Negro military organizations existed principally in the Regular Army.

These were soon filled to their maximum strength and the desire of Negroes north and south to enlist, seemed likely to meet with disappointment.

Congress, to meet the insistence of colored men for service, authorized the raising of ten Negro volunteer regiments of "immunes"-- men who had lived in sections where the yellow fever and other malignant or malarial visitations had occurred, and who had suffered from them or shown evidences that they in all probability would be immune from the diseases.

The plan to place white men in all commands above the grade of second lieutenant, prevented Negroes from enlisting as they otherwise would have done.

Four immune regiments were organized--the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th.
Several of the states appreciating the value of the Negro as a soldier and in response to his intense desire to enlist, placed volunteer Negro organizations at the disposal of the government.