He was the flag bearer for the United States Olympic Team in the opening ceremony in Berlin 1936.
He was chosen for easy to get along with demeanor. They wanted someone who wouldn't waver when he pass the main viewing stand past Adolph Hitler. Hitler remained seated as the American flag passed.
He was a member of the United States Olympic Gymnastic team in Paris 1924, Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932 and Berlin 1936.
He won two silver medals in gymnastics in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.
Although he was born in Berlin. He became an American citizen early in his life.