As the grandson and nephew of Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War, King had a strong desire to join the US Army.

On 9 July 1918, President Wilson authorized the awarding of the Army's Distinguished Service Medal to Major King, with the citation for the medal reading as follows: 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 Major (Field Artillery) Edward P. King, Jr., 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.

However, they were treated as heroes when they were finally freed, with King being awarded an oak leaf cluster to his Army DSM: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Edward P. King, Jr. (ASN: 0-2442), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the Philippine Islands from 1 December 1941 to 11 March 1942.

The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General King reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

[2]After the war, King returned to the United States where he retired to a home in Georgia, devoting himself to many volunteer causes, such as the Red Cross.