Bing enlisted as an airman in the United States Air Force in 1953. After completing basic training, he was stationed in Alabama. Starting November, 1953, Bing spent 15 months training as a pilot in Texas, Missouri, and Arizona. In February, 1955, he received his commission as an officer and his pilot wings. During the next 11 years, Bing was stationed in Nevada, the Philippines, Okinawa, Texas, Arizona, and England, followed by 1 year in Vietnam where he flew 255 combat missions. Bing’s last flying assignment was a 3-year tour in Louisiana. His primary flying assignments included the F-86, F100, and A-7. When not actively flying, Bing attended various professional military schools and was with the inspector general’s office. In 1979, after 3 years at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Bing retired from the Air Force with the rank of Colonel. Bing’s combat decorations include the Legion of Merit, 2 Silver Stars, 12 Air Medals, a Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. Bing has been married for over 60 years to the former Vickie Matthews from Pasadena, California. Bing and Vickie have lived on Balboa Island since 1979.