Larry Liss was born and raised in Bryn Mawr, U.S. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University. He has a degree in English Literature and a minor in Military Science. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1963.

He completed his military service in April 1970 as a Captain. He served in Vietnam on the ground in a number of major battles, including an assignment as a Pathfinder, Assistant Detachment Commander, during Operation Junction City. He received his wings as a Helicopter Pilot in September 1966 and served as a combat helicopter pilot from September 1966 until February 1968. His seven years of service included being a lead scout while assigned to the 2/9th Cavalry on the Czech/German border during 1964-1965 and finally as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Walters, Texas, from 1968 through April 1970. Some of his awards while serving with the United States Army are 25 Air Medals, one for Valour, the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, the Valorous Unit Commendation and the Distinguished Flying Cross for Valour. During his flying career he amassed a total of more than 4,500 hours of flight time.