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IN MEMORIAM

ORVILLE E. MOHLER, COLONEL, USAF, 1051A

A B-25 crashed near Birmingham, Alabama, on November 26th, 1949. In this crash the Air Force and the country lost an outstanding officer and citizen. Col. Orville E. Mohler left behind an exceptional record of solid achievement as a student, a sportsman, a citizen and a soldier. His loss was a personal shock to the host of friends and brother officer who knew and admired him. 

Orv was born in Los Angeles, California, 29 May 1909. He was reared in South California. He graduated from Alhambra High School in 1929 where he left a record as a top student and outstanding athlete. In the Fall of 1929 he entered the University of Southern California. In 1933 he received a BS degree in Business Administration. Orv was perhaps the most outstanding student ever to attend Southern California. He has a fine scholastic record, he was an outstanding athlete, and in his last year as a student body president his fine leadership was a great contribution to this University. Perhaps best remembered for his prowess on the gridiron. Orv quarterbacked two U.S.C. teams to the Rose Bowl in 1931 and 32. He was chosen All-American quarterback both years and in 1931 received the Knute Rockne award as the "outstanding player of the year." 

Orv entered the California National Guard and was commission 2nd Lt. in that organization in 1936. He received his wings in August 1937 and was active in the Guard until January 1942 when he was ordered to active duty at Wright Field. As Wright Field Orv has an exceptional record in the Procurement Division. At the close of the war he was Chief of the Aero-Equipment Sub-Division. After 15 months as a civilian Orv was integrated into the regular service in August 1947. Because of his business ability, he was made Chief of the newly established Industrial Planning Division of AMC. The fine results which he achieved in this job are a real tribute to the confidence and high regard in which he was held by not only his military supervisors but by responsible leaders in Industry. 

At the Air War College Orv's sincerity, his honesty, his sportsmanship and his devotion to his duty and his country made a lasting impression on all who knew him. 

Orv Mohler will be missed. 

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