Born in Lincoln, NE. Parents divorced when very young. Reared by single mother. Sent to private school instead of grade school. Graduated at age 12. Graduated from High School at 16. Attended University of Nebraska for five years, graduating with Law Degree in 1929. Promised law firm job disappeared with Great Depression. Worked in airline industry for several years in Omaha and Salt Lake City. Went on active duty with US Army running CCC camps. Periodically attempted to make living as a lawyer and politician in Lincoln. At beginning of WWII entered active duty. Served as the recruiter in Omaha until transfer to Judge Advocate General's Corps. Was Judge Advocate of 11th Armored Division in Europe throughout WWII. Upon end of war, elected to enter Regular Army. Became Judge Advocate of US Constabulary forces in Europe. Returned to USA and served in First Army and then Pentagon. Promoted to Colonel. Attended US Army War College. Served as Judge Advocate of I Corps in Korea where he contracted hepatitis and died at age 48.