Although there are no regimental badges on this U.S. infantryman's uniform, he was probably a member of the 15th United States Infantry Regiment who was stationed in China sometime around 1912.  All the elements seen in this real photo postcard are characteristic of members of the 15th of the time period. This soldiers wears the 1908 pattern summer dress uniform and his 1889 tropical helmet rests on the wicker table by his side.  These helmets were never popular with U.S. troops but seem to have become something of a regimental distinction with the 15th and continued to be worn by the regiment long after being abandoned by he rest of the U.S. Army.

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Note; Despite appearances, the flowers were not an integral part of the helmet, but probably is a vase behind it.

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Real Photo Postcard

Unknown Photographer

Tientsin (Tianjin), China

c. 1912