Commissioned as 1st Lt. at Purdue University on June 1, 1961. Began flight training at Camp Wolters, Texas, in July, 1962. Completed training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in April 1963. Shipped off to Bien Hoa, Viet Nam on April 29, 1964. Received the Air Medal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters for flying in combat conditions. While flying H-21 on a combat mission on August 30, 1963, participated in a helicopter rescue operation under fire. Received the award of Distinguished Flying Cross. Served with the 1st Calvary Division from April 30, 1964, until separation from service as 1st Lt. at Fort Benning, Georgia, in April 1965.