Verne Orr
In office February 9, 1981 – November 30, 1985President Ronald Reagan Preceded by Hans Mark Succeeded by Russell A. Rourke In office January 1, 1970 – January 5, 1975Governor Ronald Reagan Preceded by Caspar Weinberger Succeeded by Roy M. Bell
Born George Vernon Orr Jr.
(1916-11-12 ) November 12, 1916Des Moines , Iowa , U.S. Died November 27, 2008(2008-11-27) (aged 92) Pasadena , California , U.S. Political party Republican Spouse(s) Joan Peak (Deceased 1988) Sarah Smith Education Pomona College (BA ) Stanford University (MBA ) Claremont Graduate University (PhD ) Allegiance United States Branch/service United States Navy Years of service 1942–1951 Rank Lieutenant Commander Unit United States Navy Reserve Battles/wars World War II Awards Purple Heart Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service Army Distinguished Public Service Medal Navy Distinguished Public Service Award Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service
George Vernon Orr, Jr. (November 12, 1916 – November 27, 2008) was the 14th Secretary of the Air Force , appointed by President Ronald Reagan . From California, he was a businessman and educator who served in both state and national government positions.