Joseph W. Cavender volunteered for Army service early after World War I was declared. He had previous military training and entered the Army as a First Lieutenant of Field Artillery. He had risen to the rank of Colonel and was Commander of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment.

Death and Burial

Colonel Joseph W. Cavender died of his wounds on 5 September 1918. He is buried at the Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial in Fere-en-Tardenois, Departement de l'Aisne, Picardie, France.