[1] In 1889, he was commissioned as a colonel on the staff of Governor Joseph B. Foraker, and his duties included arranging for the participation of Ohio National Guard troops in the inauguration of Benjamin Harrison as president.

[1] After leaving Texas, Short joined the 6th Cavalry at Fort Niobrara, Nebraska, and assumed command of Troop L (the regiment's American Indian scouts).

[1] While the regiment was in Tampa, Florida awaiting transportation to Cuba, Short was appointed an assistant adjutant general of United States Volunteers with the temporary rank of major.

[1] His nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate, but Short declined in order to serve at the front with his regiment.

[1] The 6th Cavalry led the charge at the July 1, 1898 Battle of San Juan Hill, with most troopers marching because they had been required to abandon their horses due to the difficult terrain.

[1][7] A photo in The Illustrated London News of August 20, 1898 depicted the scene of Short being carried, and he gained a measure of fame as a result.

[1] Under his leadership, 10th Cavalry soldiers drove out or captured gangs of robbers who had long dominated the area, and killed 37.

[1] After his service in Cuba, Short was assigned to Vancouver Barracks, Washington as a major in the 35th United States Volunteer Infantry.

[7] After completing the course as a student, which enabled him to observe French methods of instruction, Short returned to Fort Riley as the Cavalry School's assistant commandant, where he remained until 1911.

[7] In August 1917, he was promoted to temporary colonel and assigned command of the 337th Infantry Regiment during its initial organization and training.

[7] He was promoted to temporary brigadier general in October 1918 and assigned to command the 32nd Brigade, 16th Division at Camp Kearny, California.

[7] Due to the Armistice with Germany on November 11, 1918, the war ended before the 16th Division departed for France, and Short reverted to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel in 1919.

[7] After World War I, Short served in Belgium as manager of the U.S. equestrian team at the 1920 Summer Olympics.

[7] In October 1923, Short was detailed to the Inspector General's department, and he served for two years in San Francisco and two in Honolulu.

[7] In October 1927, Short was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to the Advanced Air Corps School at Fort Langley, Virginia.

[9][13] In addition, he received the Purple Heart for the wounds he sustained in the Battle of San Juan Hill after the award was created in 1917.