 He enlisted as a private in April 1942, became an aviation cadet in August 1942, and completed pilot training and received a commission as a second lieutenant at Yuma, Arizona in 1943.During World War II, Rogers served as a P-39 Airacobra pilot with the 353rd Fighter Squadron at Hamilton Field, California He moved with the squadron to the European Theater of Operations, flew P-51 Mustang aircraft and became squadron commander.He is a fighter ace, credited with 12 enemy aircraft while flying from bases in England, Italy and France.