In 1942, he was awarded the Storyteller Prize for his work in the Wacht im Südosten (Southeast Watch). These were propaganda publications (100 or so pamphlets) issued by the Propagandakompanie, the propaganda wing of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS.

After 1945, he returned to civilian occupation and worked as a foreman and supervisor in a machinery factory. In 1958, he started working as a freelance writer; from 1968 to 1978,