He flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and was shot down on September 20, 1943, south of Wewak while escorting bombers.
He evaded enemy capture in the jungles with just a pistol and a knife and finally rejoined his squadron on October 20, 1943, after 30 days missing in action.
He attended Eureka College and graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in business administration in 1950.
[3] He became the first commander of the 308th Strategic Missile Wing of the Strategic Air Command at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, which had oversight of 18 LGM-25C Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile launch sites.
[1] He received the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross.