Born in England during 1921; family emigrated to the United States a few years later, settling in New Jersey. When Britain declared war on German in 1939 he wrote to the Air Ministry / Royal Air Force, seeking to join as a fighter pilot. RAF responded indicating the "voyage" would not be necessary due to the high number of volunteers at that time. During November 1941, prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the RCAF, and was trained in Canada becoming a Pilot Officer. He flew 40 combat missions in the Atlantic; primarily hunting Nazi Submarines as a pilot of Anson / Hudson and Wellington Bombers. During November 1943 he transferred to the 9th USAAF assigned to the 449th BS, 322BG (M); flying another 65 combat missions for a war time total of 105 missions. He flew the famous B-26 'Flak Bait' at least 3-4 times; and was awarded the DFC, Air Medal with 12 OLC; and the PUC for participating in the first 'all US' nighttime bomber mission in the ETO.