Enlisted in the Air Force in December of 1942 after finishing High School. Flew PT 17s in pilot training. Flew PT13s in Missouri, and then to Selma, AL for single engine training.
Went to be an instructor for cadets until the end of 1944. Flew B24s because of his size in 1945 in Boise, Idaho for 3 months. Then joined the 14th Air Force in 1945 in China flying gasoline tankers from India over the "hump" (Himalayas) into China 1944-1945. He was the commander of the Sherman Veterans Society.