Orvil Burdan was born in Ava, Missouri on February 5, 1919.  He enlisted in the Navy in early 1940.  His twin brother, Norvil Burdan, enlisted in the Marines at the same time.  After the W.V. he served on the Maryland.  Not long after being discharged from the Navy he joined the Merchant Marines.  He worked his way up in rank retiring after 33 years as a Captain.  He passed away in 2006.