Lloyd joined the Canadian Air Force in early 1941 to become a pilot. He graduated as a Sergeant Pilot. By this time, the U.S. had been attacked and entered WWII, so he was discharged to return and join the Army Air Corps. After more training, he earned his U.S. wings, was promoted to 2Lt.. and sent to train students at Camp Davis in Wisconsin. Eventually, he was promoted to Captain and assigned to the 441st Troop Carrier Group where he commanded the 301st Troop Carrier Squadron at Merryfield, Somerset, England.