Edwin J. Witzenburger served as deputy State Treasurer two and one-half years in the office of James Griffith, State Treasurer. He was appointed by Governor Stan Hathaway July 1, 1973 to complete the unexpired term of State Auditor Everett T. Copenhaver, who retired for medical reasons.

Witzenburger spent thirty years in a variety of assignments for the U.S. Air Force. He has flown fighter planes in three wars: World War II, the Korean conflict, and the war in Vietnam. After being shot down over Hanoi in World War II he evaded the Japanese, and he worked with the French underground until he was able eventually to return to his fighter group in the interior of China.

Witzenburger's experience and knowledge of the Orient are extensive as a result of his having spent five separate tours of duty in Asia and two on the mainland in·China. His foreign service includes a year and a half as Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force in Vietnam and also as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force in Japan and Korea. Following his return, he served the air staff in the Pentagon and spent four years as Air Force Liaison Officer to the U.S. Senate. During the last assignment he assisted in having F. E. Warren Air Force Base retained in the active Air Force Structure and approved as ICBM Minuteman Base.

Witzenburger was elected as State Treasurer in 1974 and served until 1979.

Additional Resources

•  Edwin J. Witzenburger Papers, Acc#10586, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.