General Urschler was born in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from North Catholic High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics from Park College, Parkville, MO and also completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Following graduation from high school, Urschler enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and completed Basic Training at Sampson AFB, Geneva, NY. His initial assignment was Reese AFB, Lubbock, TX. In April 1954, Urschler entered USAF as an Aviation Cadet, completing Primary Flight Training at Hondo AB, TX, and Basic Flight Training at Vance AFB, Enid, OK. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and received his Pilot Wings in August 1955.

Urschler was then assigned to the 343rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes AFB, Topeka, KS where he flew as Aircraft Commander in RB-47E’s, H’s and K’s and the EB and ERB-47s. While assigned to this unit, his flying duties included numerous tours of duty in Japan, Turkey, Greenland, England and Alaska.

In April 1965, he transferred to the 4157th Strategic Wing at Eielson AFB Fairbanks, AK where he served as Aircraft Commander and instructor pilot in RC-135D’s, E’s and S Models. He flew the RC-135E and S from Shemya AFS in the Aleutian Islands.

Urschler reported to the 82nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 376th Strategic Wing, Kadena AB, Okinawa in July 1970, where he Served as Operations Officer and Commander, flying in support of the Vietnam effort.

In December 1973 he was assigned to Offutt AFB as Senior Controller, Director of Command and control, Headquarters Strategic Air Command. In August 1975 he was assigned as Vice Commander of the 301st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker AFB, Columbus, OH, assuming command the following year.

In May 1978, he transferred back to Offutt AFB where he assumed command of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He transferred to Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA in August 1980, where he commanded SAC’s 47th Air Division. The General’s final assignment was as Vice Commander of Electronic Security Command, Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX.

Urschler is a command pilot with more than 15,000 flying hours, over 1,500 of which were in combat, and over 3,000 in the P-51 Mustang. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Commendation Medal with Three Clusters.

General Urschler is an honorary member of the Tuskegee Airmen. He is a life member of the following organizations: Air Force Association; Order of Daedalians; Veterans of Foreign Wars; 8th Air Force Historical society; Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage center; 55th Fighter Group association; Commemorative Air Force and Experimental Aircraft Association. He is a member of the Air Force Museum Foundation, a founding member of the American Air Museum in Britain and a Kentucky Colonel.

General Urschler retired from the Air Force in 1985. He continues to promote the value of freedom, love of country and aviation.