Entered Navy flight training July 1942 - received pilot wings October1943. Like everyone, flew many operational missions during World War II and Korea. During career flew over 6000 hours in 22 different aircraft, including seaplanes, amphibians and twin- and four-engine aircraft. Also flew single-engine aircraft including three years instructing in the SNJ.

Was ordered to Pentagon 1963 and served there during Vietnam. Retired October 1970, then later worked 12 years as a civilian in the Pentagon.

My career and life was enriched by Peggie Curtis Boettcher, my wife for over 60 years. The photo was taken when I was an Ensign and we were obviously very young. The uniform was the Navy aviation winter green, subsequently officially abandoned along with aviation brown shoes.

There are many good memories and some bad ones too. It all was remarkable.