Edwin L. Olander

Edwin Lawrence Olander Jr. (March 27, 1917 – October 9, 2008) was an American World War II flying ace and politician.

Early life Olander was born on March 27, 1917, in Northampton, Massachusetts. His father, Edwin L. Olander Sr. was a railroad freight clerk who served for several years in the Massachusetts General Court. In 1934 Olander graduated from Northampton High School. He put himself through Amherst College by working as a dishwasher at his lodging house and serving on the grounds crew at Smith College during the summer. He left the service with the rank of captain. Olander led Northampton during the city's fuel shortage in the winter of 1948–49. He ordered fuel restrictions on the city's places of entertainment, churches, libraries, and the Northampton Airport. In 1948, Olander was a candidate for Massachusetts State Auditor. He lost the Republican primary to Russell A. Wood 40% to 36%. In 1949, Olander lost his reelection bid to Luke F. Ryan by 15 votes. In 1951 he was appointed to the position of deputy chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party alongside future governor John A. Volpe, attorney Robert H. Beaudreau, and James J. Gaffney Jr.

Later life Following his defeat, Olander chose to leave politics due to his dislike for running for office. He worked as a manufacturer's representative and distributor for brick and masonry product supply companies until his retirement in 1991. He died on October 9, 2008.