Alvin Hagel was born 9 February 1922 in Neulessheim, Germany. he emigrated to the United States with his parents at age 3. He was a 1940 graduate of Richmond (Indiana) High School. He worked two years at Automotive Gear Works in Richmond as a mechanical draftsman. He was inducted into the Army 20 October 1942 at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He served as an airplane mechanic and aerial gunner, flying 37 combat missions over France and Germany. He as discharged 17 October 1945 at AAAF Amarillo, Texas.