Born in the early 1920s, Earl Alexander Jr. grew up in Elberon, New Jersey, and entered Rutgers University in the fall of 1942. After learning of the expansion of conscription to include men aged 18-19, Alexander decided to enlist in the Army Air Forces. Though his first application was late, he successfully became a pilot in May 1943. During his wartime service, Alexander served with the 52nd Wing of the IX Troop Carrier Command in Europe, and likely participated in the March 1945 invasion of Germany. He returned to the United States in December 1945, and intended to marry his girlfriend Dolores, a University of Virginia student.
From the guide to the Jeanette Alexander papers, Alexander, Jeanette papers, 1931-1945, 1942-1945, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
