He had already graduated college and was working for the Borg-Warner Corporation when he drafted. He was originally classified 4F but - after getting married - was called up again and was finally awarded his wings and commissioned as a Navigator in February 1944. He was transported across the Atlantic in an 'old English meat ship, we had to hang hammocks on meat hooks....we were all seasick'. He flew his first mission with the 91st at Bassingbourn on June 2 and was to fly on 5 consecutive days bombing bridges, marshalling yards and airfields ahead of the invasion forces. His worst mission was that of 20 July 1944 -target Leipzig- when they were attacked by some hundred German fighters and only one bomber was left in the high squadron and his the only survivor in the low squadron. He returned to the States in September and became an instructor until his discharge a year later.



DFC; Air Medal with 3 clusters