Philip Ackerman originally mustered into the 5th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry on February 23, 1864. He served through the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. He was folded into the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry in September of 1864.
Assigned to the 7th New Jersey's Company E, he served through the conclusion of the war, and was honorably discharged in July 17, 1865.
He passed away at the age of 66 on December 8, 1910, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.