William March

William March, born on September 18, 1893, was an American writer renowned for his psychological fiction and a highly decorated U.S. Marine. Despite his critical acclaim, March's literary works never achieved widespread popularity. He authored six novels and four short-story collections, with his most notable work being The Bad Seed, published in 1954, the same year he passed away.

Raised in rural Alabama in a family struggling with poverty, March faced significant educational challenges, not completing high school until the age of twenty. He pursued law studies but was unable to finish due to financial constraints. In 1917, while employed at a law office in Manhattan, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served valiantly during World War I, earning prestigious honors such as the French Croix de Guerre, the American Distinguished Service Cross, and the U.S. Navy Cross.

After the war, March returned to work in a law office before transitioning into a successful business career. It was during this time that he began to write, initially focusing on short stories. In 1933, he published his first novel, Company K, which drew from his wartime experiences. He later created the