Herman was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky on December 19, 1944, to Herman Orange Sr., and Dorothy R. Cox. He was the oldest of six children. He attended Lampasas High School in Lampasas, Texas. At the age of seventeen in 1962, Herman enlisted in the United States Army.
He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for eight weeks. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to 5th Battalion 6th Infantry, 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He served as light weapons infantry. His assigned weapon was the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).
In October of 1962, the 5th Battalion 6th Infantry was sent to Fort Stewart, Georgia in support of the Cuban Missile crisis. From October 1963 to February 1965, he served with the 2nd Battalion 33rd Armor, 3rd Armored Division as a gunner and tank driver. In February 1965 he was promoted to Buck Sergeant (E-5).
He was promoted in 1967 to Staff Sergeant (E-6). He was assigned to the Republic of Vietnam from January 1967 to December 1967. He was assigned to State College of Arkansas as an ROTC Instructor in Conway, Arkansas, February 1968 to May 1970. In June 1970 to May 1971, he was sent back to Vietnam with MACV Advisory Team 42 and 30 as RTO/RF-PF advisor.
He was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class (-7) in July 1971 where he was assigned to III Corps and Fort Hood with the Inspector General's Office.
From 1974 to 1976, he was assigned to USAREUR Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. He returned to Fort Hood in 1976 to 1978 with the 2nd Armored Division. He was promoted in 1978 to Master Sergeant (E-8).
He returned to Germany in 1978. He was assigned to CENTAG (NATO) in Schwetzingen and Heidelberg Germany until 1982. He returned to Fort Hood, Texas and was promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9) in 1983. His assignments included DPCA SGM and his final assignment was the Adjutant General SGM for III Corps and Fort Hood. His awards and decorations include:
Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, 3- Meritorious Service Medal, ACM, AAM, EIB, Varies Vietnam ribbons, German Shooting and physical fitness award. South Vietnamese Certificates of Achievement.
He retired from the military on November 1, 1986, and was Mr. Mom taking care of his son, Richard, until May 1995. He volunteered with Bowie Elementary School for four years and was PTA Treasurer, volunteer of the month and year. He had various jobs from 1995 until 2004. He worked for the Hunt County Attorney's Office from 2004- 2012 and then worked for the Purchasing Department for Hunt County as Assistant Purchasing Agent.
Herman is survived by his sons, Richard Orange and wife Shantelle, Brian Orange and wife, Dawn, Herman Wayne Orange, and Dale Orange and wife, Sandy; brother, William Orange and wife, Mary Jane; sisters, Kathy Asher and husband, Rocky, Susan Lamphear, and Patti Brunson and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Garrett, David, Brittany, Madison and Nathan; great-grandchildren and numerous other family members.
Condolences(7)
Susie Wakeland
Lampasas, Monday, August 21, 2023 I am so sorry to discover this obit, I have been friends with Herman since High School, I lost touch at the beginning of the year because of illness in my family. I began to worry when he quit answering messages, and then his phone was cut off, and I feared he had fallen or was sick and moved to a rehab facility. I refused to believe he had passed. I am so very sorry. He was an outstanding soldier, and a good friend. Prayers for all his family.Jerry D Littlefield
Greenville, TX Sunday, May 21, 2023 Rest in peace my brother.Richard Williams
Greenvy, TX Tuesday, May 2, 2023 We remember and honor Sergeant Major Herman Orange, a true hero who served our country with honor and distinction. His legacy of bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Sergeant Major. 🇺🇸Susan Lamphear
Cedar Park, TX Sunday, April 30, 2023 I love you brother. Rest in Peace.Silvina Epperson
Sulphur Springs, TX Sunday, April 30, 2023 Herman and I became great friends a few years ago and spent many days together supporting each other thru difficult times. I was saddened to learn that he had passed on and I will miss him. Herman was a good man - he loved God, and his family. He adored his Maddie.Barbara and Steve Knox
Greenville, TX Friday, April 28, 2023 We are so very sorry to hear about Herman's passing. We were friends of Herman's when he was married to Sandy. God be with all of his family and close friends.Katherine Asher
Harker Heights, TX Friday, April 28, 2023 Rest in peace my brother. ✝️