Zane then saw temporary expeditionary service in early 1913, sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, with Company "I", 2nd Regiment, 2nd Provisional Brigade of Marines, on board auxiliary cruiser Prairie and disembarked at Guantanamo Bay on February 27.

In 1918, with the United States having entered the fighting in World War I, now-Major Zane began his first tour of duty in Europe at the Bourmont, France training area, with the 6th Marine Regiment.

In command of the 79th Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, he moved with his unit to Vitry-le-François and then to Gisors-Chaumont-en-Vexin, where Zane and his companions received urgent orders sending them to the Château-Thierry sector.

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 Captain Randolph Talcott Zane (MCSN: 0-3689), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Ninth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action while holding the town of Bouresches, France, on the night of June 7 - 8, 1918.

43, W.D., 1918), Captain Randolph Talcott Zane (MCSN: 0-3689), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him.

Captain Zane distinguished himself while serving with 79th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.