Colonel Richard William March

Richard William March, 81, of Fort Worth, Texas, died peacefully Thursday, April 24, 2003 in Hospice House West of Fort Worth. Born April 16, 1922 in his family home on Beaverdam Road, just outside of New Philadelphia, he was the only child of the late Delmar J. March and Nora Christine Torgler March. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Orchard Street and in 1928 to Cleveland, OH where work was more plentiful and better paying. While living in Cleveland, Richard attended public school through the 10th grade, before the family returned to New Philadelphia when he re-enrolled and became a 1941 Graduate of New Philadelphia High School.Mr. “Dick” March spent 20 + years in active military service, first in the Army Air Corps where he became a pilot and graduated as a second lieutenant, and later in the U.S. Air Force. Many flying assignments to all parts of the world were the way of such duty. During WWII, he flew 103 missions to China from India now known as “The Hump.” Support of the free Chinese, under Chiang Kai-Shek, during WWII was a major undertaking. Mr. March’s part was the airlift of vital supplies, mainly gasoline, ammunition, used in repelling the Japanese assault on the interior of China. By late 1944, Mr. March had the record (as individual pilot) for tonnage delivered from India to China. It was a first in our history and exceptional due to the high altitude achieved in flying over the Himalayan Mountains. This operation was officially tagged, The Hump Operation, or “The Hump”. The Chinese appreciated this and in recognition offered to the pilots who flew that route, honorary membership in their Air Force. Madam Chenault, representing the Chinese Air Force, personally presented that membership, with wings and a citation. While in Japan, Mr. March was deeply involved in the training of the Royal Thai Air Force. The Thai Air Force recognized this and in appreciation, awarded Richard Honorary membership in their Air Force, officially presented by a delegation of Royal Thai Air Force Officers. He was a member of the 374th Troop Carrier Wing, Tachikawa, Japan and 4397th Air Refueling Wing, Randolph Air Force Base. During Mr. March’s military career, he received many awards and decorations. One that Mr. March was quite proud of was the rank of Command Pilot, the highest pilot rating offered by the USAF. Others included the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded two times and the Air Metal, awarded three times. Since retirement, Mr. March has been engaged in numerous activities, the most important of which was President of LoW’s. Survivors include two daughters, Christine J. March of Austin TX; Kathleen Ann March-Kaufman and husband Mark of Acworth, GA; three sons, Richard W. March II of Flanklinton, NC; Steven A. March of Zwollie, LA; and Jeffery J. March of Little Rock, AR; 4 Grandchildren, Brian, Alex, Kathryn Kaufman & Debbie; 4 Great-Grandchildren.Friends are invited to call Tuesday from 11 to 12:30 at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia. At 1 PM, Mr. March will be interred in Evergreen Burial Park with full military honors conducted by officials from Wright-Patterson Air-Force base, of Dayton. Members of the New Philadelphia High School Band will perform, and Rev. Glen Shedlock will officiate the committal service. To honor this man’s remarkable accomplishments in the defense of our nation, and the building of goodwill in Asia, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Hump Pilots Association, P. O. Box 49203, Jackson, MI 49203