Orson was the son of Henry Guilford and Anna (Gay) Rathburn. Married Mary Louise Edson of Greenwich, Mass. 12Mar1919

Married second Mrs. Mary Sarah Angelini. 16June1943

As a member of Co. E. 104th Infantry was called to duty on Mexican Border service in june of 1916. Also called to duty 3 March 1916, as a member of Co. E. 104th Infantry and Co. L. 6th Infantry A.E.F. 2 Oct 1917. Engagements: Champagne Marne defensive, Aisne Marne offensive, Meuse Argonne offensive, Chemin des Dames, Toul, Boucg, Pas Fini, Apremont, Chateau Tierry, Verdun. Wounded at Apremont 12 April 1918. Gassed at Chateau Tierry 18 July 1918. Decorated with the French War Cross. (Croix de Guerre) Decorated by the City of Verdun for his part in its liberation.

Decorated with the Purple Heart.

Discharged from Federal Service as a Corporal on 24 Feb 1919.

On 10 Sept 1919, as a member Of Co. E. 104th. Infantry was called to Boston by Governor Coolidge during the Boston Police strike.

Worked in the Boston Navy Yard during World War II.

Worked at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas from 1950 until he retired in 1960, at which time he returned to Orange, Mass.

Worked as a painter, shoecutter, cook, and electrician.

Was a member of the Orange Baptist Church, in Orange, Mass.

Among the organizations he belonged to were American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the International order of the Redmen lodge in Athol, Mass., Davy Crockett lodge of Masons in San Antonio, Texas, and the World War One Barracks Post in Orange where he was serving as Adjutant when he died.

Avid baseball fan kept many records of various teams using his own system for many years.

Was a great cook.

Was an excellant bowler and pool player, and fine marksman.

Orson Rathburn