 Designated a Naval Aviator on 19 October 1939, he was commissioned Ensign in the Naval Reserve on 24 November.After service in several patrol squadrons, he was assigned to a bomber squadron in May 1943.He flew many missions including long range reconnaissance and bombing missions in support of major task force strikes in October 1943 against Wake Island, for which he was awarded the Air Medal, and missions in support of the Allied thrust toward Hollandia, New Guinea, in April 1944, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.