At age 23, Hank took basic training at Ft. Riley, KS, followed by time at Ft. Carson, CO where he was a forward observer for field artillery. He then visited the US Armed Forces Institute where he was cleared to attend college despite not having attended high school. He reported to Ft. Lewis in Washington state on Dec. 15, 1953 to be processed for overseas service in Korea. He served in Korea Jan. of 1954 through Jan. of 1955. He honorably completed his service in the US Army in Feb. of 1955.