It sounds about right. You have to remember that he had ROTC time, which is reserve time. Probably went in the active Army as a First Lt, or very senior 2nd Lt. The Aide de camp assignment didn't hurt either. It is a position that really helps (or hurts) a young officer.
Enlisted promotions were pretty good,compared to todays military. You could make E-4 in 2 years, espically if you were a "lifer" instead of a draftee.
Thanks for the insight. Like I said, I am a civillian and find this kind of stuff interesting.
I figured in peacetime, advancement in is probably a combo of merit and time in the service, to a certain point. In wartime I had to figure advancement was quicker if you were at all competent, but still for practical purposes could not be that fast, for enlisted or officers. But like I have said, I'm just guessing here so I appreciate any info.
Thanks!