Rose entered the Royal Flying Corps in 1917, joining 92 Squadron in early 1918. Flying an S.E.5a, he became his squadron's highest scoring ace and scored its final victory of the war on November 4, 1918. After the war, he saw more combat in Russia before returning to the United States to become a businessman. During World War II, he served with the United States Army Air Corps.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"A very gallant officer who has accounted for nine enemy aeroplanes. On September 29, 1918, he observed an enemy scout attacking some of our machines; engaging it, he drove it down from 15,000 feet to 6,000 feet, when it fell in flames. On his return journey, he attacked and destroyed an enemy two-seater.." DFC citation, London Gazette, December 3, 1918

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Bar
"A brilliant and fearless leader, who since October 9, 1918, has destroyed seven enemy aeroplanes. His personal example of skill and determination in aerial combat and in attacking troops and transport on the ground, is of the greatest value in maintaining the high standards of efficiency in his squadron." DFC Bar citation, London Gazette, February 8, 1919