Service dates: enlisted in Army Air Corps Cadet Reserve 16 September 1942 after recruiter on University of Toledo Campus offered prospects time to complete degree ( 2 years )  before being called to active duty; Called to active duty 5 months later  Feb 1943; trained in army basics and flight related topics until classified for pilot training in June of 1943. Graduated from single engine flight school at Marianna, Florida in Class of 44C (March 14.1944 ) receiving pilot wings and gold bars of 2nd Lt. ; Fighter training in P40N in May and June of 1944. Saw first P51 at Hull, England Training Station in August 1944. Joined 357th Fighter Group as replacement pilot in Sept. 1944, Flew first mission on 21 Sept. 1944. Last mission (67th) 9 April 1945. Promoted to 1st Lt. 5 Dec.1944.: Became flight Leader and was assigned a new P51 which became "AIN'T MISBEHAVIN" ; Promoted to Capt, 1 April 1945.  Awards: Air medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters. Distinguished Flying Cross,  received 18 June 1945 (General Orders Number 1139). While in the 357th I could wear the Distinguished Unit Citation Bar, awarded twice to the 357th