Harry Frank Kendall was born on December 13, 1898, in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, to parents Harry L. Kendall and Annie S. Bishop Kendall. He had three sisters and one brother. He attended school in Louisville, though specific details about his education and occupation remain unknown.

On May 23, 1917, at the age of 18, Kendall enlisted in the 1st Kentucky Infantry Regiment. Following the U.S. entry into World War I, his unit was federalized and integrated into the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, 35th Division, where he served in Battery B. Notably, Battery D of the same regiment was commanded by future President Harry S. Truman.

Kendall embarked for France on June 12, 1918, departing from Hoboken, New Jersey, aboard the USS Plattsburg as part of the Camp Shelby Automatic Replacement Draft Artillery. He participated in significant military engagements, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a major operation that contributed to the end of the war.

Tragically, Private Kendall was killed in action on October 2, 1918, in France. He was initially interred at the Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Meuse, France. His remains were later repatriated to the United States aboard the U.S.A.T. Wheaton, which sailed from Antwerp, Belgium, on August 6, 1921. On September 11, 1921, he was reburied at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

A local newspaper reported his death, stating: “Louisville Boy is Killed on French Battlefront. Harry F. Kendall, 19 years old, was killed in action in France on October 2, according to a telegram received from the War Department yesterday by his mother, Mrs. Annie Craig Kendall. Kendall was a member of the old First Kentucky, which he joined when only 17 years old. He had been transferred to the 129th Field Artillery, however, and was serving with it when killed. Besides his mother he is survived by a brother, and three sisters.”

Private Kendall’s service and sacrifice are commemorated at Cave Hill Cemetery, a historic burial ground in Louisville known for its notable interments and serene landscape. His name is also listed among those who served in the 129th Field Artillery. 

His dedication and ultimate sacrifice remain a poignant reminder of the contributions made by countless young soldiers during World War I.

Louisville Boy is Killed on French Battlefront

Harry F. Kendall, 19 years old, was killed in action in France on October 2, according to a telegram received from the War Department yesterday by his mother, Mrs. Annie Craig Kendall.

Kendall was a member of the old First Kentucky, which he joined when only 17 years old.  He had been transferred to the 129th Field Artillery, however, and was serving with it when killed.

Besides his mother he is survived by a brother, and three sisters. . .[1]

[1] The Courier-Journal, 8 Nov 1918, p. 5.