Enlisted in the Marine Core as a private in Word War II. Saw action in Okinawa along with his brother, John, who was on a mortar team with the Marine 1st Division. Ernie was a rifleman scout in Marine 1st Division. After the island was secured, Ernie was able to locate his brother for a brief visit. Later, both were also stationed in China, taking the surrender of Japanese troops still there after the US bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Again they were able to visit.

Ernie was a dentist in Vallejo for many years. He moved to Springfield, Oregon after retiring.