Enlisted in the US Army Air Corps on 22 April, 1943 in Santa Fe, New Mexico after completing one year of college. Completed flight training in San Antonio, Texas in 1943. Arrived in Framlingham, England in November 1943 and assigned as a B-17 co-pilot to the 571st Squadron, 390th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. Completed 26 missions. Shot down on his 27th mission when returning from Berlin. Bailed out over Germany and immediately captured. Sent to Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany. Forced marched from Stalag Luft III in January 1944. Liberated in Mooseburg, Germany on April 29, 1945. Finished a 30 year career in the US Air Force in 1972 as a Colonel assigned to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.