Only son of John and Josephine Spieles and grandson of Susan Spieles of Golden. Attended Golden schools and graduated Golden High School in 1939, after which he worked at First National Bank as a bank clerk in Golden. Described by Colorado Transcript newspaper as "Quiet, well-mannered, he was always courteous and admired by everyone who knew him." Enlisted in November 1942 and entered service in February 1943 and received training at Kansas City and San Antonio and Oklahoma City and Frederick, Oklahoma, and received his wings at Stuttgart Field, Arkansas. Served as pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress with 486th Bomber Group of the 3rd Bombardment Division. Was stationed in England with 8th Air Forces starting August 1944. and was shot down over German territory while on a bombing mission. Had fiancee Laurel Dean Calmett of Golden and sister Mrs. Hensley Dublin of Denver. Awarded Air Medal for meritorious achievement. Also given Presidential citation with the other men of his division.