Born and raised in South Dakota, Fuller's education was interrupted by military service during World War II.

The crew of ten bailed out over Yugoslavia and evaded capture, successfully returning to Allied territory.

[2][8] Promoted to colonel in November 1966, Fuller served as commander of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam until 6 July 1967.

[3] Fuller married Myrtle Mais Starr (15 January 1922 – 26 May 2000) on 11 December 1943 in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

[15][16] She lived in Doland, South Dakota while he was serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.