He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1979, as a fighter pilot in both the Korean War (flying the F-86 Sabre) and the Vietnam War (flying the F-4 Phantom II); after being shot down, he was captured and held as a Vietnamese P.O.W. in the infamous Hanoi Hilton from April 16, 1966 to February 12, 1973. His medals include two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three outstanding unit awards.