He was first assigned to a pursuit group in Puerto Rico before joining the 14th Air Force in China as a fighter pilot. He served with the Flying Tigers in the Burma Theater (the 74th Fighter Squadron). He was awarded at the same ceremony the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal "for combat flying in China." He is said to have shot down several Zeros and assisted with downing a Mitsubishi bomber. His photograph was auctioned in New Bern, NC for war bonds for $8,500. He reached the rank of captain. After the war he worked in the civil service at the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, Havelock, NC.