Born in Louisville, Kentucky, where he graduated from Central High School. In 1942, he volunteered for service and was trained as a pilot at Tuskegee, Alabama---making him one of the barrier-breaking Tuskegee Airmen. He received his wings in 1944. He trained for replacement in the 332 Fighter Group, later in the 99th Fighter Group and still later in B-25s.
He operated a post-war flying service at Bowman Field, and volunteered for recall to active duty in 1953. He became a flight instructor in T-33, F-86, F-105 and F-111 aircraft, with overseas tours in Morocco, Korea and Thailand. He retired as a major in 1970.