Harvey enlisted in Henderson, Texas, in Company "F" of the Fifth Texas Infantry. He worked in the company office until he left for France in 1918. He was then transferred to the Second Division of the Regular Army where he was assigned to Company M, 9th Infantry (Harvey). He received battle stars at St. Mihiel, Champagne and Meuse-Argonne. Harvey was active from August 5, 1917, until August 18, 1919, and he was promoted from private to Sergeant.