Lord was born on December 2, 1919,[1] in New York City,[2] and named after his father, a lawyer.
[3][4] He was educated at Groton School, and graduated from Yale College in 1942.
[4] Lord saw military service with the United States Marines during World War II, serving as a pilot aboard the North American B-25 Mitchell.
[4][2] He flew 45 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Air Medal with four Gold Stars.
[4][5] He was survived by three children born to his first wife, Ruth du Pont Lord.