Bamford was promoted to brigadier general of the National Army on August 8, 1918.

For his service, Bamford was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the citation for which 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 Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford, 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 its Commanding Officer General Bamford organized and successfully conducted the Second Corps School.

Successively in command of a battalion, regiment, brigade and division, he participated in the operations of American troops from Cantigny to those of the Meuse-Argonne.

He later commanded the Army School at Langres, at all times bringing to bear upon his duties his sound judgment, high military attainment, and untiring zeal.