Harry Bandholtz graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1890. He was cited for gallantry in the Spanish-American War, and then served during the Philippine Insurrection. Following the capture of insurrectionist Emilio Aguinaldo and the defeat of the Filipino forces, he served as governor of Tayabas Province, which is now known as Quezon, in 1902 and 1903, and as assistant chief of the Philippine Constabulary. He also served during World War I where he earned a Distinguished Service Medal, and retired as a U.S. Army Major General.