Orlin Lee Mullen

Brigadier General Orlin Lee Mullen (Ret.), 83, passed away on May 10, 2026, in Easton Maryland. A man of profound integrity and distinguished service, Orlin dedicated his life to his country and his family with equal devotion. Born on October 10, 1942, in Muskogee Oklahoma, to Orlin Harold and Minnie Lee Mullen, Orlin’s journey of service began at the Oklahoma Military Academy then continued to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with the Class of 1965. A scholar as well as a soldier, he furthered his intellectual pursuits at the University of Michigan, earning a dual master’s degree in engineering, and later graduated from the U.S. Army War College in 1985, preparing him for the highest levels of strategic command. General Mullen’s 29-year career in the U.S. Army was defined by a rare combination of combat bravery and visionary leadership in military technology. As a young officer General Mullen served two tours in the Vietnam War, he served as a troop commander in the armor branch and as a decorated aviator, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. This award, among the military’s highest for aviators, recognized his skill and courage under fire during his combat tour in 1971. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, his leadership continued to ascend. He was twice awarded the Legion of Merit, first for his exceptional service as Chief of Staff for the 7th Army Training Command in West Germany, and again for his meritorious conduct in senior leadership roles. His military career culminated in his role as the Project Manager for the RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter program. For his "exceptionally meritorious service in a position of great responsibility" during this pivotal era of modernization, he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal. His additional decorations included the Bronze Star, the Air Medal for combat flight hours, and the Army Aviator Badge. Following his retirement from uniform in 1994, Orlin began a second successful chapter at Cypress International. He applied his vast experience in weapons systems and strategic requirements to assist the defense industry, earning the deep respect of colleagues for his insight and continued commitment to the nation’s defense capabilities. Beyond his military accolades, Orlin was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sandra J. Mullen, whose steadfast partnership supported him through decades of service and numerous deployments around the globe. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, whom he deeply cherished: · His daughter, Sydney Podraza and her husband Jeff, and their daughters Willow and Skylar. · His son, Garrett Mullen, his wife Molly, and their children Connor and Makenna. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Bruce, her daughter Stephanie Burris, and his brother, J.B. Mullen, and his two sons John and James Mullen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orlin Harold and Minnie Lee. Family will receive visitors at Fellows, Helfenbein, & Newman, Easton, Maryland on Wednesday May 20th, from 4-6pm. Funeral services with Full Military Honors will be held at the United States Military Academy at West Point July 8th at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Talbot Hospice: WHV (We Honor Veterans) in memory of BG Orlin L. Mullen (ret).

Orlin Lee Mullen

October 10, 1942 - May 10, 2026