At the onset of the First World War, he was a 1st Lieutenant (promoted on 1 August 1914) and served predominantly on the Italian Front.

In December 1937, he became the commandant of the newly established flying school regiment at the Zeltweg Air Base.

After the Anschluss of Austria, he transferred over to the Luftwaffe as a Lieutenant Colonel (promoted on 28 December 1935) and later received German rank seniority (RDA) from 1 July 1935.

On 26 June 1940, he was promoted to Generalmajor (Major General) with effect from 1 July 1940, in January 1941, he received rank reniority (RDA) from 1 December 1939.

During the Second World War, he served on all major fronts and eventually retired on April 30, 1945, eight days prior to the end of hostilities.