He registered for the World War I draft in Fargo, North Dakota. He was employed as a secretary for the YMCA of the U.S. although his placce of employment or business was the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. His nearest relative was Mrs. W.D. Brownlee of 1616 2nd Street N.E. in Minneapolis. He was of medium height and build and had blue eyes and brown hair. He was a naturalized U.S. citizen.