Langdon Kellogg Fieberling was born on 3 January 1910 in Oakland, California, enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 7 October 1935, and after training and service as an aviation cadet, was commissioned ensign on 1 March 1937. From 26 July 1941, he aided in establishing Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8), and when this unit was activated, served with it in Hornet (CV-8).