Served as coxswain on board the U.S.S. "Oneida" in the engagement at Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Volunteering for the Mobile Bay action from "Bienville", Kendrick displayed courageous devotion to duty, and his excellent conduct throughout the battle which resulted in the capture of the rebel ram "Tennessee" and in the damaging of Fort Morgan, attracted the attention of the commanding officer and those serving around him.