Born in Decatur, IL. Entered films as a camera assistant in 1923 and later contributed some impressive aerial photography to the film WINGS. Worked as director of photography in Mexico and Spain for several years but because of union restrictions returned to Hollywood as assistant cameraman after WW II service as an Army Air Corps captain, where he flew 17 missions on "The Memphis Belle." He did not become a full lighting cameraman until the 1940s, and it was not until the 1960s that he established a reputation for his superb handling of outdoor color cinematography, working with such directors as Ford, Walsh, McLaglen, and Peckinpah, among others. He also contributed excellent aerial photography for films shot by others. He directed the cinematography for most of John Wayne's films from FORT APACHE (1948) to BIG JAKE (1971). He retired in 1973.  Nominated for Cinematography (Color) 1960: THE ALAMO  Nominated for Cinematography (Color) 1964: CHEYENNE AUTUMN 2 nominations