Partridge enlisted in the United States Army in July 1918 at Fort Slocum, New York, and was assigned to the 5th Engineer Training Regiment.

He reenlisted in the Army in June 1920, but was sent to study at the United States Military Academy at West Point in August 1920.

Partridge returned to Headquarters Army Air Forces in January 1946 as assistant chief of staff for operations.

He went to Japan in October 1948 as commanding general of the Fifth Air Force, serving through the first year of the Korean War.

He gave an introduction to the 1957 Korean War film Battle Hymn starring Rock Hudson.