During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater as company commander during the Marianas Campaign. In 1942 he was promoted to captain. He served as executive officer, and subsequently the commanding officer, of the 165th Inf., 3rd Battalion. He was promoted to major in 1943. He was cited for gallantry during the invasions of Makin in 1943 and Saipan in 1944. In July 1944 he was awarded the Silver Star, the nations 3rd highest military decoration for valor, during the Battle of Saipan (27th Infantry Div, GO 47 / 1944).