Kenneth Dew Orr

Born to Victor H. Orr and Velva Dew Orr on November 1, 1913 in Moscow, Idaho. Kenneth lived a long full life and certainly left this world a better place through his efforts as a Physician and 40 year career in the U.S. Army as a Medical Officer.

In 1931, Dr. Orr began his Army career with the Idaho National Guard.

Dr. Orr graduated from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho with a BS and MS Degree and a M.D. degree from the University of Chicago, Rush Medical College, Chicago, ILL, housing Internship at the University of Chicago Clinics. Dr. Orr entered the U.S. Army as a First Lt. in July 1942. He served as a Regimental Surgeon and saw WWII action from Arnzio through Italy and into Trieste having been a prisoner of war twice during WWII. During Dr. Orr's military career, he was a Veteran of World War II and Korea. During Korea, he organized the first M.A.S.H. unit and his team later developed a successful treatment for cold weather injuries.

He is recognized as the authority on cold weather injuries. His studies on the effect of frostbite led to today's refinement in the treatment and preventing of such cold weather injuries. During the Korean War, he served as Chief of the Far East Cold Injury Center at the Osaka Army Hospital in Japan.

In 1960, he assumed command of the U.S. Army Hospital in Munich, Germany. He was the commander of the Valley Forge Hospital in Phoenixville, Penn from 1962 to 1966. He served a two year term of duties Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Center in Japan. At this time, his command provided direct support for casualties of Vietnam . Then Dr. Orr was Commanding General of the William Beaumont General Hospital in El Paso, TX Prior to retirement in 1973, Dr. Orr was promoted to Major General in 1969 and assigned a Commanding General of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. He was also the Commandant of the U.S. Army Medical field services school.

In 1970, the University of Idaho named Dr. Orr to its Alumni Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished medical career which earned him a place in "Who's Who in America", and an Honorary Doctoral Degree at Baylor University. During Dr. Orr's career in the U.S. Army, he was awarded Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit w/2 OLC, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, w/2 OLC, Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal Germany and Japan, National Defense Service Medal, w/OLC, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Medical Badge and Meritorius Unit Commendation.

Dr Orr was also associated with the Masonic Lodge and 32nd Degree Mason, member of the AMA, Association Military Surgeons U.S. Army, Federal Business Association, Phi Chi Club and the Kiwanian.

In retirement, Dr. Orr was Director of a local Bank, an avid golfer, enjoyed his vegetable garden and yard work, an avid reader and NBA fan, where his grandson, Michael Doleac plays and is currently with the Miami Heat.

Dr. Orr is survived by his wife of 72 years, Helen Martin Orr; children and grandchildren, Charles K. Orr and wife, Ann and their two children, Bruce and Susan, Mary O. Garber and her husband, Richard and their two children, Gary and Laura; Victor H. Orr and his wife, Donna and their two children, Victor and Richard; and Margaret K. Doleac and her husband, Phil and their four children, Jason, Michael, Kenny and Suzanne; sisters, Kathryn Rogers and Edith Ivy; eight great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Windcrest United Methodist Church, 8101 Midcrown, San Antonio, TX 78239 or Boysville, Inc., 855 E. Loop 1604 North, Converse, TX 78109.