A native of Sumter, South Carolina and a graduate of The Citadel, Girard taught school and served in the Army Reserve prior to World War II.

[6] In anticipation of U.S. entry into World War II, Girard was among thousands of reservists and National Guard members called to active duty in 1940.

[7] He completed the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses,[8] and served initially as a platoon leader in the 82nd Armored Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia.

[10] He took part in the Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe campaigns, and he was battalion commander with the rank of major at the end of the war.

[19] During this posting Girard carried out a temporary assignment as deputy chief of the Long Range Plans Group for the Howze Board.

[23] He was Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations & Reserve Forces at Headquarters, Continental Army Command until March, 1969.

[30] Girard was married to Joan E. B. Minford, who served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II and attained the rank of captain before receiving her discharge in 1946.