[1] Austin graduated from St. Albans High School in 1905 and Phillips Andover Academy in 1906.

[5] Austin later became involved in several businesses, and was a longtime executive of the American Granite Association.

[6][7] In 1942, Austin entered the United States Army as a major and was assigned to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.

[9][10] Austin received the Legion of Merit in recognition of his contract appeals board work during World War II.

[9] As a result of contract appeals board service, Austin was involved in the investigation of President Dwight Eisenhower's Chief of Staff, Sherman Adams when Adams was accused of using his influence on behalf of favored contractors in exchange for gifts.