He and his unit took part in the Allied landings in Normandy, where his troop transport the USS Susan B. Anthony was sunk by mines off Utah Beach on 7 June 1944.

In September 1968 he assumed command of the division after General Keith L. Ware died when his helicopter was shot down.

He hosted the visit by President Richard Nixon to the division's Dĩ An Base Camp on 31 July 1969.

In 1983, together with other retired generals Lyman L. Lemnitzer and Bruce Palmer Jr. he established the Army Historical Foundation.

[4] In 1994 he introduced President Bill Clinton during the 50th anniversary ceremony of the Normandy landings at Utah Beach.

[1] His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (2), Silver Star (3), Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (4), Bronze Star (3), Purple Heart (3), Legion of Honour (France), Croix de Guerre (France) and Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam).