US Army Major General. A graduate of Michigan State University, he was commissioned in 1943 and served in the Philippines at the end of World War II. During his career he amassed over 10,500 flying hours, almost 4,000 of those in combat over Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia. He served three tours in Vietnam, the last as the commander of an armored division. A pilot's pilot, he was known for flying into landing zones to discuss events with the ground commanders, providing immediate aerial support when required. His hands-on approach earned "Gray Ghost" an honorary membership in the Wolfhound, a brotherhood of infantry soldiers. He was instrumental in identifying the need for air mobility, developing a management structure that ensured the Army met its aviation objectives. In 1976, while commanding the Army Aviation Center, he was inducted into the Army's Aviation Hall of Fame. One of Army's most highly decorated officers, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, 4 Silver Stars, 5 Legion of Merits, 8 Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Purple Hearts, and 127 Air Medals. After retiring as a Major General in 1977 he was an adviser to King Hussein of Jordan, serving as the commandant of the Jordanian Aviation Academy. He was later the managing director of Arabian Helicopters and Bell Helicopters in Asia.
US Army Major General. A graduate of Michigan State University, he was commissioned in 1943 and served in the Philippines at the end of World War II. During his career he amassed over 10,500 flying hours, almost 4,000 of those in combat over Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia. He served three tours in Vietnam, the last as the commander of an armored division. A pilot's pilot, he was known for flying into landing zones to discuss events with the ground commanders, providing immediate aerial support when required. His hands-on approach earned "Gray Ghost" an honorary membership in the Wolfhound, a brotherhood of infantry soldiers. He was instrumental in identifying the need for air mobility, developing a management structure that ensured the Army met its aviation objectives. In 1976, while commanding the Army Aviation Center, he was inducted into the Army's Aviation Hall of Fame. One of Army's most highly decorated officers, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, 4 Silver Stars, 5 Legion of Merits, 8 Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Purple Hearts, and 127 Air Medals. After retiring as a Major General in 1977 he was an adviser to King Hussein of Jordan, serving as the commandant of the Jordanian Aviation Academy. He was later the managing director of Arabian Helicopters and Bell Helicopters in Asia.
Bio by: Beth Painter
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