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<p><em>Richard Edward Morrow</em> was born at Fort Bragg, NC on October 26, 1954. His father was Chief Warrant Officer 5 Daniel Edward “Buddy” Morrow (Retired), who served on active duty and with the North Carolina National Guard. Rick’s mother was Jo Ann Brown Morrow. Rick attended North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville, NC and was an Eagle Scout.</p>
<p>Rick entered West Point in July 1973. His cadet company was G-4. At the time, G-4 had a high number of Parachute Team members compared to other companies. Rick fit right in and dedicated many hours in practices, competitions, and demonstrations. The team of that era had a fall and spring season that required daily rides out to Lake Frederick and back. If weather cancelled the jump, the team did ground training or helped club members pack their chutes. There was also a winter off-season tryout period to support. The Parachute Team had weekend training at a World War II airfield near Wallkill, NY so that its members could jump on a larger drop zone. What made that devotion of time worth it for Rick was that being a member of the Parachute Team also bonded him even more closely with his airborne-qualified father.</p>
<p>Rick met then Captain Frank Welter, who was the assistant officer in charge of the Parachute Team and would be one of Rick’s key mentors. Frank described Rick as “quiet, reserved, and driven to get it done, and get it done right. Rick was focused on completing the rigorous West Point experience and pursuing a career as a pilot and a paratrooper.”</p>
<p>After schooling and training as a Transportation Corps officer at Fort Eustis, VA, Rick found himself in the job he had strived for at Fort Bragg. A brief letter to Frank included a photo of himself in his BDUs, adorned with Aviator Wings, a Parachutist Badge, proudly wearing a maroon beret and standing before a shiny new sports car. Frank said that he has never forgotten Rick’s proud note: “I have everything I’ve always dreamed of—a job flying helicopters and jumping out of airplanes at Fort Bragg, a hot car, and a hot chick.” It was not long after this letter was written that a tragic car accident left Rick severely injured and then medically retired from the Army. Rick underwent many surgeries with a long and challenging recovery.</p>
<p>Again, driven by his desire to get it done and get it done right, Frank said, “Rick emerged from this period with a bright spirit and a plan to live life to the fullest regardless of his permanent injuries.” He moved home to Huntersville with his parents and procured a modified van that allowed him to travel and receive medical treatment at the Army hospital at Fort Bragg. On these visits, Rick would take Frank’s young daughters to fast food restaurants to let the girls ride up and down on his wheelchair lift to order from the take-out window.</p>
<p>Kevin McGrath ’78 was Rick’s lifelong friend from their time together at West Point. Kevin said that Rick was a proud military “brat” and a second generation 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper. In Kevin’s words: “From the moment I first met Rick in the summer of 1973, he proudly told me of his dad’s airborne and warrant officer exploits. Sheepishly, I had to ask Rick to explain what a warrant officer was and did. As a true ‘brat’ his response was colorful, a bit humorous, and accurate—as I came to learn. Rick and his dad, Buddy, were as close as a father and son could be. Their bond tracked from the military to NASCAR, where Buddy was a race official in retirement.” </p>
<p>“At school we often called Rick by his stage name, Vic Morrow, from the popular Combat TV show of the time. He loved it.</p>
<p>“Rick was a dear friend to me and my family. He had a gift for interacting with youth. My two sons always loved spending time with ‘Uncle Ricky.’ He would regale them with stories of piloting Blackhawk helicopters and jumping out of airplanes. They were mesmerized. My oldest son perhaps captured his essence best: ‘Rick was incredibly compassionate and full-spirited, undaunted and curious about the world and everything in it. I wish I’d had a chance to know him better.’</p>
<p>“Rick had the same effect on the many young Boy Scouts he helped advance in rank and earn merit badges as an Assistant Scoutmaster in his hometown. As an Eagle Scout, he gave back.</p>
<p>“Rick was also an avid collector and authoritative source on World War II German military memorabilia—with a special focus on German paratroopers. He amassed an impressive collection of authentic and documented artifacts—uniforms, weapons, insignia, and equipment. His dream was to open a museum. His fascination with the airborne never wavered.”</p>
<p>In the end, after courageously fighting the long-term effects of his injuries, Rick eventually succumbed, quietly in his sleep, on February 20, 2003, at age 48, in a room filled with memories of his all-too short but dream-fulfilling Army career, German war memorabilia and parachute gear, and the loving support of those close to him.</p>
<p>Rick’s final resting place is the Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery in Cornelius, NC. His proud parents ensured that his marker also had the words “West Point Grad.” May it be said “Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
<p><em>— Al Aycock, Frank Welter, Kevin McGrath and other classmates</em></p>
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