Enlisted in the Army Air Corps in Ironwood, MI on 27 Aug 1942 at the age of 19 before the start of his 2nd year at Michigan Tech University where he studied engineering on a football scholarship. Called for duty as an aviation cadet to Midland, TX on 10 Feb 1943. Received his wings with Class 43-12 of Bombardiers on 26 Aug 1943 and arrived in England on 1 Jan 1944. Bombardier on B-24J #42-100374 ("Suitch's Bitch"). Shot down by fighters after bombing the mission target at Gotha on 24 FEB 1944 as part of the 445th receiving the Presidential Unit Citation. Became POW # 3155 at Stalag Luft 1 (Barth, Germany) in the South Compound, Barracks 1, Room 10 until liberation.