Upon the United States entry into World War II, he was named chief-of-staff, 43rd Infantry Division, 1941-1942. His next assignment, in August 1942, was as the deputy commander, for the newly formed 101st Airborne Division, at the rank of brigadier general.
As a result of the US entry into World War II, he took on the role of chief-of-staff for the 43rd Infantry Division from 1941 to 1942. He then assumed the position of deputy commander for the newly established 101st Airborne Division in August 1942, holding the rank of brigadier general.