[1] After graduating from Loyall High School in 1940, Unthank enlisted in the United States Army, serving during World War II as a paratrooper in the 509th Infantry Regiment.

[1] He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart, the latter due to injuries sustained in 1943 from a German hand grenade while in enemy territory.

He served as a judge of the Harlan County Court in Kentucky from 1951 to 1958, where he used the name G. Wix Unthank professionally.

President Ronald Reagan involuntarily certified Unthank as disabled on November 30, 1987, pursuant to 71 Stat.

[5] Pursuant to the certification, Unthank assumed senior status on June 14, 1988, but continued to maintain a substantial caseload.