In 1916, during World War I (although the American entry into World War I did not occur until April 1917), he obtained an appointment to the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, from which he graduated in November 1918, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant into the Infantry Branch of the United States Army.

The citation for the medal reads: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Paul W. Kendall, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with 27th Infantry, 33d Division, A.E.F.

The division's second World War II commander, he led it during its assault through Italy, including the capture of Vicenza and Verona.

He was in that position until 1952, then he returned to the United States for a short assignment as commander of VI Corps at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

In January 1953, the corps took part in an offensive with troops of the 1st Republic of Korea (ROK) Division, attacking the enemy at Big Nori.

After leaving I Corps, Kendall was assigned as Deputy Commanding General, US Army Forces Far East, in Manila, Philippines.

In 1954, Kendall was assigned as commander of Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe in Izmir, Turkey, where he served until his 1955 retirement.