He served as a combat pilot during the First World War. After the war, he earned some acclaim in air racing competition and as a military test pilot. 

He was killed when parachuting from a plane in an uncontrollable spin near what is now Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, is named in his honor. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Grave 4834S.

Page Added: 5 February 2000