Born May 29, 1930, Walker, MN.  Graduated from Walker High School and then Carleton College, Northfield, MN in 1952 with a math major.  Entered Navy Flight Training program in August 52 and became a Marine Corps flyer.  After four years of active duty flying, joined the Marine Reserves in Minneapolis, MN.  Went to work for Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine in 1961 and was selected to report on the aviation aspects of the Vietnam War in 1965. Wrote a highly-acclaimed series on the air war in 1966.  Went to work for Honeywell in 1970 and retired 27 years later.  Also retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps in 1984.