Assigned to VP-55 Squadron which later became VP-74 on 1 July 1941. Flew convoy patrols in the North Atlantic under the Neutrality Patrol. The squadron flew the Martin PBM1 seaplane until it was replaced with the PBM3C plane. The squadron was stationed as far north as Iceland and Newfoundland and as far south as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with several points in-between, and routinely flew 12-hour patrols. He was killed 4 July 1943 while on patrol off the coast of Rio and attacking U-199 German U-boat. The entire crew of plane was lost. There had been intelligence reports of increased U-boat activity south of their assigned patrol zone and two planes were ordered to Rio to conduct patrols.