James Lee Merrick, Jr.

Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

James Lee Merrick, Jr., was born on 21 September 1943 in Ames, IA. James graduated from Ames High School in 1971 and from Iowa State University in 1965. Upon graduation from ISU, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

His flight training took place at Pensacola, FL; Meridian, MS; and Corpus Christi, TX. He was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1967. James was then assigned to the Photo Reconnaissance Squadron aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock, flying an F-8 Crusader.

On 3 October 1968, Lieutenant James Lee Merrick, Jr., was serving with VFP-63, CVW-21, USS Hancock, TF 77, 7th Fleet, off the coast of South Vietnam.

On that day, LT Merrick was killed in the non-hostile related crash at sea of his F-8 aircraft while returning to the carrier from a mission over North Vietnam. His body was recovered.

Badge and Medals

Naval Aviator Badge
Air Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honors

The name James L Merrick Jr is located on Panel W42 Line 70 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Lieutenant James Lee Merrick, Jr., is buried at Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames, IA.

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