Ralph Charles Fork

Ralph Charles Fork, 90, lifelong resident of Gibsonburg, died on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Blakely Care Center in Bowling Green. He was born to the now deceased Louis and Nettie (Solman) Fork on November 23, 1918 in Gibsonburg. He graduated from Gibsonburg High School in 1936.

Ralph was in the Air Force during WWII, serving from 1941 to 1946 as a multi-engine pilot in the China-Burma-India Theater where he flew 101 transport missions, flying the HUMP (Himalayan Mountain Range) into China supporting Chiang Kai-shek and into the jungles of Burma in support of Gen. Vinegar Joe Stillwell. While stationed in India, he served in three campaigns: the India-Burma, Central Burma and China Campaigns.

During active duty in India he flew the HUMP which at the time was considered the most dangerous and hazardous route in the world, as described by LIFE magazine. Ralph was assigned as an instrument flight instructor and taught new pilots assigned to the HUMP. While in India he was promoted to the rank of Captain and flew the Assam Airline across India. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal with three battle stars, the China War Memorial Medal awarded by Gen. Chiang Kai-shek for meritorious service in the defense of China, along with Honorary Chinese Pilot Wings. Capt. Fork served five years active duty and was in the Active Reserve Unit flying C-46 aircraft for 10 years.

Mr. Fork owned his own plane for many years, along with his brothers, Kenneth and Raymond, and spent many hours flying with his family and friends at the hanger where many happy times were spent.

Mr. Fork worked in the heavy construction industry for fifty-five years, retiring in 1981, and was a member of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Ironworkers Union. He was also a member of Gibsonburg Lodge #575 F.A.M., the HUMP Pilots Association, Sandusky County Historical Society, Disabled American Veterans, and Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gibsonburg.

Ralph is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Anna Lucille; his children, Dennis (Xiang Li) of Las Vegas, Kenny (Diane) of Gibsonburg, Ronald (Brenda) of Pemberville, Linda (Dana) Long of Gibsonburg, and Jerry of Bowling Green; daughter-in-law Brenda Fork of Gibsonburg; brother, Ernie of Gibsonburg; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, John; and siblings, Raymond, Kenneth, Hazel, and Irene. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Herman-Kinn-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gibsonburg. Funeral Services for Ralph will be on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gibsonburg. Pastor Robert Wietelmann will officiate. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or to the Disabled American Veterans organization.