An actor who also became an NBC and CBS production executive, Herman served as a Major General for the Air Force Reserve from April 21, 1948 through retirement on December 24, 1978. An addition to being a cast member of the Broadway play, Winged Victory (1943), he served as the executive officer of the Air Forces' administrative staff for the production of the play.

He also acted in the Air Force production of Sidney Howard's play, Yellow Jack (1944) on Broadway as Roger Ames.

He assisted with the production and direction of the play, Dark Eyes, written by Elena Miramova in collaboration with Eugenie Leontovich for its West Coast premiere for Repertory Productions, Inc., along with fellow Winged Victory and Yellow Jack actor, George Reeves. The comedy opened on June 21, 1948 for a six-night run, at Newport Harbour High School Auditorium, California. Reeves portrayed Nicolai Toradje, his wife, Ellanora Needles, played Helen Field. Leontovich reprised her role from the original 1943 Broadway production, as Natasha Rapakovitch.

As an independent producer, he produced the The Alan Young Show (1950-53).

Major General Gilbert Herman is buried in Arlington National Cemetary.