He served as an Air Force Lieutenant during World War II from 1941 - 1946 .
However , Cunnigham was conscripted into the United States Air Force forcing him to postpone his opera career .
He served as an United States Air Force   Lieutenant during World War II from 1941 - 1946 .
However , Cunnigham was conscripted into the United States Air Force forcing him to postpone his opera career .