Emile Zola Berman was born on 3 November 1902 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. He was married to Alice Rose Gaines and Virginia Anne. He died in 1981 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA.
For three years during World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps in combat intelligence, attached to Gen. Joseph Stillwell's campaigns in the China-Burma Theatre. He was discharged a lieutenant colonel, and won several decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star.