Merle Smith

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Merle Smith
Died 2021 (aged 76–77)
Nationality USA
Other names Merle James Smith
Occupation naval officer, lawyer
Known for first African American to graduate from the USCG Academy

Merle James Smith was the second African-American to be appointed to attend the Coast Guard academy, and, in 1966, was the first to graduate.[1][2][3]

Smith was named after his father, a Colonel in the United States Army. His wife Jo-Ann Henry, was the daughter of Oliver Henry, a retired Chief Warrant Officer]], the first African-American to transfer from being a Mess Steward to a technical discipline.

Smith's first command was the USCGC Cape Wash. Smith served in Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star. Smith retired a Lieutenant Commander.

After his retirement from the Coast Guard Smith worked in the legal department of Electric Boat, a key manufacturer of nuclear submarines.[4]

The Academy renamed its Officer's Club after Smith in 2020.[4]

References