Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Bernard, Iowa
JOINED THE NAVY AT AGE 20, AND SERVED ABOARD THE USS PHOENIX, PRIOR TO AND THROUGHOUT WWII. HE PARTICIPATED IN MANY OF THE EARLY BATTLES OF THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS, INCLUDING PEARL HARBOR, GUADALCANAL, NEW GUINEA, CAPE GLOUCESTER, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, LEYTE GULF AND THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS INVASION. HE WAS A GUNNERY SPOTTER, DIRECTING THE GUNS ON THE SHIP. HE WAS SEVERELY INJURED DURING HIS SERVICE. HE RECEIVED SEVERAL MILITARY MEDALS AND LEFT THE NAVY IN 1947.