Maurais flew helicopter gunships in Vietnam in 1966-67. He accrued 440 combat hours flying with an innovative aerial rocket artillery unit. Having served as a mechanic after enlisting in 1956, he reenlisted in order to fly.

After Vietnam he worked as a commercial helicopter pilot and joined the RI Army National Guard. When he retired in 1997 he had accrued more than 11,000 flight hours, combining military and commercial time.