L. D. Stephens was born m Texas on .June 21, 1920. In August 1943, he enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps, at the height of World War II (WWII). He received his basic military training in Florida, and .underwent cadet training at Middle Georgia College in Cochran. Georgia, and at Maxwell Field in Alabama.

He was ultimately selected for training as a bomber flight engineer, with anticipated assignment to a B-29 crew.

He completed his flight training at Hondo Field in Texas in 1945. Later that year, shortly after the end of the war, he concluded his military service with an honorary discharge from the Army Air corps and returned to civilian life. He had attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

He is now retired and living in Hemet, California with his wife of over 60 years, Aynne. He remains the pride of his wire and two grown sons, David and Jay.