Major General Rudolph D. Bartholomew enlisted in the US Army Air Force in 1946 at Ft. Custer, Michigan. He was discharged in June 1949 as a Sergeant, USAF.

In 1952 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, USAF at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. Joining the Michigan Air National Guard 172nd Fighter Bomber Squadron as an Adjutant, he was selected to attend USAF Pilot Training and received his wings with the class of 55-J.

During thirty-seven years of service, he flew over 7,000 hours in fighters, bombers, and support aircraft. He served in several command positions and retired as a Major General in June 1984. His final Command was Commander of the Michigan Air National Guard.