Roy Mullen

Roy Mullen was born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 16, 1942, and trained in Jacksonville, Chicago, and Cherry Point. In December 1943, he was deployed to the Pacific as a Master Technical Sergeant with a Night Fighter Marine Air Squadron. His service took him to the Marshall Islands, Mariana Islands, and Gilbert Islands, where he remained until February 1945. He continued stateside service at Cherry Point until March 15, 1946.

Following his military service, Roy attended American University on the GI Bill and earned a degree in geology. He went on to dedicate 43½ years to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Mapping Division, serving in leadership roles in both Reston, Virginia, and Menlo Park, California. He spearheaded several innovations, including the development of the autopilot system and the transition from analog to digital mapping.

Roy married in 1951 and went on to raise four children. Now retired, he enjoys traveling to Maine, reconnecting with fellow USGS retirees, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.