After serving in the United States Army during World War II, Aspinall earned his Bachelor of Laws from American University.

While governor, Aspinall dealt with a number of issues, including educational system reform and the subsequent resignation of many teachers and school personnel.

As governor, he came into conflict with the National Association of Educational Broadcasters over how the local school systems were run, and refused to renew the organization's contract.

[4] Along with traditionally garbed island chiefs, Aspinall was one of the first officials to greet and congratulate the crew of Apollo 10 after the success of their mission.

[3] Aspinall had to contend with violent clashes between Korean and Chinese ethnic groups who fought with knives and clubs off the shore.

[7] When Richard Nixon became President of the United States, Aspinall handed in a pro forma resignation, as the Secretary of the Interior was likely to soon replace him with a Republican.