Arthur B. "Otts" Koch

Arthur B. “Otts” Koch

DOVER – Arthur Blaine “Otts” Koch, 95, of Dover, passed away, Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Providence Place in Dover, PA.  He was the husband of  his beloved late wife, Delores N. (Flohr) Koch who passed away, March 12, 2007.  He and Mrs. Koch were married for 51 years and 7 months.

Otts was born on September 22, 1929, a son of the late Frederick W. Dangerfield and Ethel R. Dangerfield, and the late Cyrus B. Koch.

Mr. Koch served his country in the United States Marine Corps from November 4, 1948 until his honorable discharge on September 10, 1952 with the rank of Sergeant.  He was a member of E Co. 2 BN, 5th Marines 1st Marine Division FMF to 1st Provisional Marine Brigade.  His tour of duty included combat in Korea from August 2, 1950 to April 15, 1951.  Otts saw combat in the following campaigns: Pusan Perimeter; Inchon to Seoul; Wonsan to Chosin Reservoir.  He was wounded at Yudam-ni North Korea December 3, 1950.  He also participated in operations against enemy forces in South and Central Korea.  He returned to the United States May 1, 1951 and completed his enlistment at the Philadelphia Naval Yards as Assistant Brig Warden.  As a result of his military service, he received the following medals and citations: Purple Heart; Combat Action; Good Conduct; National Defense; Korean Service (4) stars; United States Presidential Unit Citation (2) stars; Korean Presidential Unit Citation (3) citations; United Nations, Korean War Service; 1st Provisional Marine Brigade (Pusan Perimeter); Letter of Commendation from Maj. General John H. Church, US Army, Commanding 24th Division; and Letter of Commendation from Commanding General Walton H. Walker, US Army, 8th United States Army, Korea.  Otts received a 100% service-connected disability from cold injuries received at the Chosin Reservoir.  In later years, Otts was a licensed journeyman plumber and retired pipefitter from Caterpillar Co., York, PA.  

Otts is survived by nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his brother, William H. Koch.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 47 North Queen Street, Dover, PA.  His visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Mount Rose Cemetery where veteran's honors will be presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard.  Officiating will be Brother James Hoover from Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren in Spring Grove, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to York County SPCA, 3159 Susquehanna Trail North, York, PA. 17406.

“Don’t know if this Marine will make it to heaven, for guard duty at the main gate.  Semper Fi.”

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