Paul E. Orf

Foil: 10 Panel: F100 Super Sabre Society Column: 2 Line: 28

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Greg J. Butler

Paul Orf (1935-2007) grew up on a farm near Apache OK, the oldest of eight. He would take his 22 along across the fields to the mailbox in hopes of bagging a rabbit to add to the dinner pot. He recalled his Dad ceremoniously pulling the cord on their first light bulb. As a mechanic at Fort Sill he got his pilot’s license and bought an Aeronca Champ.

Air Force Aviation Cadets at Lackland, Hondo, and Bryan TX in the T-34, T-28, and T-33 earned him his wings and gold bars in 1957. Training in the F-84F and F-100A at Luke and Nellis made him a Fighter Pilot. In Germany (58-61) in the 461st FDS and 53rd TFS he patrolled the Iron Curtain, buzzed much of Europe, and sat nuclear alert, while developing his lifelong appreciation of good wine. From Cannon AFB (61-66) in the 523 TFS Paul traveled the world on multiple F-100 deployments between which he met and wed “The Widder Kentner”. Maggie and he raised four children while moving to Ft Hood (ALO duty), to Luke (F-100 and A-7 IP), to Davis Monthan (A-7 IP), to England AFB LA (A-7), and finally to staff duty at TAC Hq at Langley (74-77). Along the way he served combat tours in Vietnam and Thailand, including duty as the CO of the A-7 “Sandy” Search and Rescue Squadron. Paul bailed out of two “Hun’s”, first over France and later into the South China Sea due to Vietcong ground fire.

In retirement the Orfs ranched and farmed on their spread near Canton TX where Paul dabbled in business, politics, construction, and just enjoying life. He was instrumental in establishing and building Canton’s first Catholic church. He built three airplanes and held FAA Instructor, A+E mechanic, and DAR ratings. He accumulated over 6,000 hours flight time. Paul was an active member of many aviation organizations including the Dedalians and Quiet Birdmen. His decorations include Air Medals, the Purple Heart and a DFC. Paul passed away very suddenly at home on the farm at age 71. He never had to grow old, and never did!