Spanish–American War and Border War

On January 2, 1896, Foote enlisted as a private in Co D, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment Infantry.^[2] At the outbreak of the Spanish–American War he was sent to Cuba. During the war he rose to the rank of sergeant. Upon his return to the U.S., he was promoted to first lieutenant. On November 18, 1911, he became a major and shortly thereafter was placed in charged of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry. He led the outfit during the Border War.^[1]

World War I

At the outset of the American entry into World War I in April 1917, Foote was made acting lieutenant colonel of the 104th Infantry Regiment. In 1918, he graduated from the Army General Staff College in Langres and was made a lieutenant colonel. That July, he was promoted to colonel and given command of the 104th. He commanded the 104th during the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Third Battle of the Aisne. For his service in France, he was cited for meritorious service by Major General Clarence R. Edwards, commander of the 26th Division (the 104th's parent formation), was awarded the Silver Star by the Secretary of War, and decorated as a Commander of the Legion of Honour by the French government.^[1] In 1923, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal.^[4] The citation for the medal reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Alfred F. Foote, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. As Battalion Commander during the operations of the 104th Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, at Apremont, France, from 10 to 13 April 1918, Lieutenant Colonel Foote demonstrated unusual initiative and marked efficiency and contributed materially to the successful stand of the regiment against the enemy's repeated attacks. As Regimental Commander during the Champagne-Marne offensive, by his devotion to duty, courage, and superior qualities as a commander he successfully accomplished all missions assigned to him. Later as Division Inspector, 26th Division, by his tact, sound judgment, and ability he assisted materially in maintaining the high morale and discipline of the division.^[5]

Peacetime

After the National Guard was demobilized, Foote was made inspector general of the 26th Infantry Division.^[1][2] In 1919, he led the 104th when it was called up by Governor Calvin Coolidge during the Boston Police Strike.^[6] On March 24, 1923, he was made a Brigadier General and given command of the 51st Infantry Brigade.^[1][2] On May 3, 1928, he was appointed major general in command of the 26th Infantry Division.^[1] He resigned from the National Guard on November 14, 1930, to focus on his duties as Commissioner of Public Safety.^[7]