Royal M. Wykoff was born on January 31, 1918, in Leidy Township, Clinton County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of LaRue Perry and Alice Belle Summerson Wykoff. Royal was named after his two grandfathers Royal Decatur Wykoff and James Milton Summerson. After high school Royal enlisted on April 14, 1941, and served until September 19, 1946.

Private Wykoff served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII as a bombardier pilot stationed in New Guinea. He was also in the reserves attaining the rank of Captain during the Korean War.

He passed away on March 29, 2009, at the age of 91 in Madera County, California. He is buried in Newcastle Cemetery, Placer County, California.

In his civilian life, he was employed by Piper Aircraft Corporation, Lock Haven, PA. His civilian occupation was airplane mechanic and repairman.