Malone enlisted in the
Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in August 1916, and was attached to the
Australian Flying Corps as a private. In France he was mainly engaged on wireless and signal work in the Flying Corps as a radio-engineer, and at the conclusion of hostilities he held the rank of lieutenant. His duties at the front enabled him to gain valuable experience in wireless and signal work, and at the conclusion of hostilities he continued his investigations into the great advances made in wireless and allied technical work. He was also engaged in connection with the education scheme of the AIF under which the soldiers awaiting embarkation were given an opportunity to acquire knowledge. In England, France and Germany he made a close study of the latest practices in connection with telegraph and telephone problems, and later on obtained his discharge from the AIF in England in order to visit the United States and New Zealand to investigate these subjects there on behalf of the Postmaster-General. Lieutenant Malone received the
Military Cross for gallantry, being one of only two soldiers from Gundurimba to have won that distinction. ==Recognition==