He saw service in the U. S. Army First World War, decorated in Cincinnati, Ohio by l King Albert of Belgium after War.:for commanding the Company that penetrated Germany farthest in that War. At the time.of the decoration, Brand Whitlock and King Albert were touring the United States.

Coleman Ross was associated with the McCord Manufacturing Company, Detroit; Eversharp Company, Wisconsin,; Sales Manager, Plumitt Division, Dearborn Chemical Company, Chicago.