 He is of Finnish and Italian ancestry.He began his career as a field artillery officer after graduating from the United States Military Academy, in West Point, New York.After graduating with the class of 1957, he served three tours in Vietnam as an artillery battalion executive officer with the 1st Infantry Division in 1966–67; executive officer of Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in 1970; and as commander, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment in 1970–1971, and then as commanding officer (Colonel) of Division Artillery, 82d Airborne Division.