Dwight served on the USS English (DD-696) first as a Fireman Apprentice, then as a Machinist Mate. During his service on the USS English on October 31st, 1954, she collided with the USS Wallace L. Lind (DD-703). There were no casualties on either ship. Dwight graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1951. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1961.