George Christian Merz

MERZ, George C., "Husband, Father, Comrade in Arms, and Patriot to His Country", age 87, of Dayton, passed away May 23rd, 2009 at his residence. "He gives nothing but worthless gold Who gives from a sense of duty; But he who gives a slender mite, And gives to that which is out of sight, That thread of the all-sustaining Beauty Which runs through all and doth all unite,-- The hand cannot clasp the whole of his alms, The heart outstretches its eager palms, For a God goes with it and makes it store To the soul that was starving in darkness before." --James Russell Lowell George was a 27 year USAF veteran of both WWII and Korea where he served as a flight leader, squadron commander, command pilot, and as a supervising engineer on many critical Air Force development programs. During WWII George was a troop carrier pilot who dropped paratroopers from the 82nd, 101st, and British 1st Airborne Divisions. He participated in the Sicily, Normandy and Arnhem operations and was shot down twice. For these actions George was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. After retiring from the Air Force in 1966 as a Lieutenant Colonel, George worked at WPAFB for over 20 years as a program manager with the Aeronautical Systems Division retiring for a second time in 1987. He was a graduate of the University of Denver where he earned his bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and AF.I.T. where he earned his second degree in Aeronautical Engineering. George was an active member of the 61st Troop Carrier squadron, the 314th Troop Carrier Group and the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing veterans associations, where he helped organize many reunions celebrating their legacy to the country. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Merz and his sister, Muriel Adele (Merz) Gallagher. George is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Virginia. His sons, George R. Merz and his wife Brigitte; and Christian Lee Merz; grandsons; Jonathan, Jason and Alexander, and numerous nieces and nephews. Burial and funeral services will be held in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, and the Vitas Hospice. Condolences and other remembrances may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.

Visitation:
Private
US

Service:
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429
No Service