[6] During World War I, Cheney commanded the 110th Engineer Regiment at Fort Sill (August 1917 – April 1918) and in France (May–July 1918).

He subsequently served at General Headquarters as assistant to the chief engineer of the American Expeditionary Forces from July to November 1918, helping organize the Corps and coordinate its efforts with the other service branches.

In 1919, he served as director of the Army Transport Service, "achieving remarkable results in a task of great magnitude involving the expeditious return of many thousands of soldiers from the ports of France to the United States," according to his citation for the US Army Distinguished Service Medal.

[5] In addition to this American honor, France awarded him the Croix de Guerre and made him a Commandeur of the Legion of Honour.

[1][3] Returning to Manchester after retirement, Cheney built a summer home in Mystic and became an enthusiastic sailor.