At his retirement in 1935, Hulen received a state promotion to lieutenant general to recognize the distinguished service he rendered throughout his long career.

[2] During World War I, Hulen commanded the 72nd Brigade of the 36th Division and winning the Distinguished Service Medal and the Croix de Guerre.

From 1922 to 1935, Hulen was appointed major general of the Texas National Guard and commander of the 36th Infantry division.

In 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hulen to regional salvage manager of the War Production Board.

[2] 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 John A. Hulen, 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, while Commanding the 72d Infantry Brigade of the 36th Division in the Meuse-Argonne offensive from 8 to 28 October 1918.