Background
Engel was born on May 1, 1914 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Engel was born on May 1, 1914 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1932. Engel graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1938.
Engel"s twin brother, Arthur, would become a rear admiral in the Coast Guard. Afterwards, he was assigned to the USCGC Sebago. During World World War II, he served aboard the USCGC Mendota (WHEC-69) and the USCGC Bibb (WPG-31).
He then underwent aviation training at Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Afterwards, he was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Portuguese Angeles before furthering his training at Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn. Engel was later assigned to Coast Guard Air Station San Diego before undergoing more training at Coast Guard Air Station Saint St. Petersburg.
From 1951 to 1953, Engel was Executive Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Miami. In 1957, he entered the Naval War College as a student, where he would also later become an instructor.
Afterwards, he assumed command of Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn.
Engel retired in 1974.