He joined the United States Air Force January 3, 1960 at age 17, then on to Vietnam's Tan Son Nhut Air Base, February 1968 till January 1969. He returned to Vietnam at Tuy Hoa Air Base, December 1969 till August 1970.
During his assignment at Tan Son Nhut Air Base he was in charge of the NORS Control program, concerned with maintaining supplies of aircraft parts. He received the highest commendation for his proficiency in this crucial function. During his tour of duty in Saigon,Vietnam, the building in which he was located came under intense enemy attack. He rescued a newsman who had been shot by this sniper, at considerable risk to himself. He was awarded the Bronze Star with the "V" Device for Valor. With a year in the States, he returned to Vietnam at Tuy Hoa Air Base, December 1969 till August 1970. On December 23, 1973, he was fatally injured when his vehicle was struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver.

He joined the United States Air Force January 3, 1960 at age 17, then on to Vietnam's Tan Son Nhut Air Base, February 1968 till January 1969. He returned to Vietnam at Tuy Hoa Air Base, December 1969 till August 1970.
During his assignment at Tan Son Nhut Air Base he was in charge of the NORS Control program, concerned with maintaining supplies of aircraft parts. He received the highest commendation for his proficiency in this crucial function. During his tour of duty in Saigon,Vietnam, the building in which he was located came under intense enemy attack. He rescued a newsman who had been shot by this sniper, at considerable risk to himself. He was awarded the Bronze Star with the "V" Device for Valor. With a year in the States, he returned to Vietnam at Tuy Hoa Air Base, December 1969 till August 1970. On December 23, 1973, he was fatally injured when his vehicle was struck by a car driven by an intoxicated driver.