Dates

• Existence: 1911 - 1990

Biographical Note

William George Orthman was born August 17, 1911 in Denver, Colorado. Orthman graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois in 1939 and in 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army. After serving at a number of U.S. bases, Orthman was assigned to the China Theater and went there by way of India, arriving in 1945.

Orthman served in various units, including as Public Relations Officer at the Headquarters of the Army Air Force. As troops were being sent home at this time, Orthman was sent where needed at any given time and traveled the China-Burma-India Theater extensively. He earned the Soldier's Medal, American Service Theater Medal, Asiatic Theather Medal with two Bronze Stars, and a Wolrd War II Victory Medal. Orthman was discharged in 1946 and continued in the Air Force Reserves, where he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel prior to his August 17, 1971 retirement.

After his service, Orthman earned a Masters degree from University of Puget Sound in 1964. He then taught International Business and Marketing courses there until he retired in 1976. In 1972, Orthman earned his Doctorate from the University of Washington. Orthman died on November 27, 1990 in Seattle, Washington, survived by his wife Mildred.

Source:

Biography derived from collection materials and donor information.

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