Admiral Price enlisted in the Navy in November 1939 and became an aviation metalsmith in 1940. After various tours of duty in World War II--in the USS Wright (AV-1) and Patrol Squadron 14 at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii--he entered the Navy aviation flight program and became a pilot, receiving a commission as ensign in 1944. After various tours of duty in night fighter squadrons and fighter bomber squadrons, his designation was changed to that of an unrestricted line officer. Ultimately his career gravitated to amphibious warfare. He served in many areas, especially in Vietnam, where he became Deputy Commander of U.S. Naval Forces and finally Commander in June 1972.