Lafayette Ron Hubbard was born in 1911 in Tilden Nebraska, the only son of a naval officer. From the beginning, Hubbard was prone to excitement and exaggeration and loved to have adventures and tell stories of his amazing deeds, which were often highly embellished. After attending school, he attempted to join the military, but was nearsighted and attended college instead. He led several unsuccessful expeditions to find treasure in the Caribbean, but he did get a pilot's license and spent much time studying aviation.