In late 1941, he was part of VF-42 on the carrier "Yorktown", conducting patrols in the Atlantic Ocean to protect the merchant ships heading for Britain. After the Attack on Pearl Harbor, "Yorktown", with his squadron still aboard, was transferred to the Pacific. In February 1942, he participated in the Marshalls–Gilberts raids, and was credited with shooting down a Kawanishi H6K flying boat (shared with his wingman, Ensign John P. Adams). He was later promoted to Lieutenant (jg).