Dec. 26, 1922 - Dec. 14, 2002.

Colonel Ward E. Protsman and grew up in Sheridan, Wyo., where he graduated from high school in 1940. He attended the University of Wyoming from 1940 to 1942. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Military Academy, graduating in 1945. He flew fighter aircraft at various bases in the U.S. and on Okinawa until 1949.

After receiving his master's degree in aeronautical engineering in 1952 he served as Chief of Bomber Defense Fire Control Branch of the Air Force Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

He became Chief of the Inertial Guidance Division upon its formation in 1957. In 1961 he was assigned as a research and development officer at Headquarters, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

He was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in 1967, serving as research and development director for armament systems. In 1968 he was appointed chief of the Electronic Warfare Division where he served until his assignment as executive officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development in July 1969. He took command of Arnold Engineering Development Center August 16, 1971, serving in that capacity until September 1973.

Colonel Protsman was a command pilot and held the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Upon his retirement Ward made Tullahoma his home and was a member of the Tullahoma Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Findagrave.com