North Dakota Governor. After graduating from the University of North Dakota, in 1935, he was a rancher and banker in Goodrich, North Dakota. During World War II, he served overseas as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 134th Infantry, 1st Battalion, U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart Medal, Silver Star Medal and Bronze Star Medal, for his service. After the war, he was Mayor of McClusky, North Dakota, (1947-53) and was a member of the North Dakota State Senate, (1953-57). In 1957, he was elected as a Republican the 25th North Dakota Governor, serving until 1961. As Governor, the state highway system was advanced, health and welfare laws were improved and industrial development was promoted. After leaving office, he was the director of Civil Defense in the Office of the Secretary of the Army, (1969-73) and the director of Defense Civil Preparedness Agency of the Department of Defense, (1973-77). He returned to North Dakota to operate the family ranch and was a banker, Relocating to Californis, he lived in retirement until his death at age 77.
North Dakota Governor. After graduating from the University of North Dakota, in 1935, he was a rancher and banker in Goodrich, North Dakota. During World War II, he served overseas as a Lieutenant Colonel in the 134th Infantry, 1st Battalion, U.S. Army and was awarded a Purple Heart Medal, Silver Star Medal and Bronze Star Medal, for his service. After the war, he was Mayor of McClusky, North Dakota, (1947-53) and was a member of the North Dakota State Senate, (1953-57). In 1957, he was elected as a Republican the 25th North Dakota Governor, serving until 1961. As Governor, the state highway system was advanced, health and welfare laws were improved and industrial development was promoted. After leaving office, he was the director of Civil Defense in the Office of the Secretary of the Army, (1969-73) and the director of Defense Civil Preparedness Agency of the Department of Defense, (1973-77). He returned to North Dakota to operate the family ranch and was a banker, Relocating to Californis, he lived in retirement until his death at age 77.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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