Career
Born in Delevan, Wisconsin, he was conscripted by the United States Army in 1941, but wanting to fly, he absconded to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He flew with Number. 619 Squadron Royal Air Force and Number. 617 Squadron Royal Air Force. He transferred to the United States Army Air Force, with corresponding pay rise, but was seconded back to the Royal Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1944, Commonwealth Distinguished Flying Cross, United States Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Air Medals.
He took part in various raids with the famous "Dambusters", including Operation Taxable, Operation Paravane, the attacks on Tirpitz.
