He joined the US Air Force on November 24, 1942. He was honorably discharged on September 20, 1945. 

19 July 1943 wounded while TDY to 9th AF. B24 42-40665 'Ten High' was attacked by fighters and crew bailed out near Malta.

He served in WWII in Europe, stationed at Horsham-St. Faith Airfield, Norwich England from January 4, 1944 until December 27, 1944 where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was assigned to the USAAF 458th Bomb Group, 753rd Squadron, and participated in over 30 combat bombing missions. His military specialty was Waist Gunner/Belly Turret Gunner on the B24 "Liberator". 

He was presented the Purple Heart on 2 separate occasions. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the EAME Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze campaign stars.