Laird Guttersen was born on 4 July 1925 in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, USA. He was married to Jennifer Rude, Ruth and Virginia M. Drohan. He died on 13 June 2006 in Tucson, Arizona, USA.
During his career, Guttersen was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, two Legion of Merit awards, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air Medals and four Purple Hearts.