Raymond James Merritt

Raymond James Merrit was born October 7, 1929, in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in the greater Los Angles, California area. Raymond enlisted in the US Naval Reserve on July 10, 1947, and was honorably discharged to enter the Aviation Cadet Program in August 1950. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of the US Air Force and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams Airforce Base, Arizona on March 22, 1952.

He first saw combat during the Korean War, flying 100 combat missions as an F-84 pilot. After returning to the United States, he became an instructor in fighter-weapons training at Luke Air Force Base and later in aerial refueling "Boomer" training at Randolph Air Force Base, refueling from KC-97 crew trainees.

Raymond completed his bachelor's degree in 1961 at the Air Force Institute of Technology in Texas.

In February 1964, after F-105 Thunder chief qualifications, he was assigned to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. As the SEA war commenced, he was again flying with the 67th Tactical Fighting Squadron this time from Thailand into North Vietnam. On September 16, 1965, anti-aircraft fire disable his plane, forcing him to eject. Once on the ground, he was immediately captured by armed North Vietnamese civilians.

Colonel Merritt was declared missing in action (MIA) that day. Fourteen months later, his name was heard mentioned on a Hanoi radio broadcast that confirmed he was still alive. His status was changed to prisoner of war (POW) and remained as such until his release 7 1/2 years (2,707 days) later from Hanoi on February 12, 1973.

After his release, he received medical care at March Air Force Base. Raymond continued in the Air Forces Industrial College. He then requalified as a fighter pilot in the F-4E. He was then assigned as Assistant Director of Operations at Biburg Air Base, Germany and soon after became acting Director. He served a two-year assignment to the 17th Air Force Sembach Air Base, Germany.

In the summer of 1978, Colonel Merritt was assigned to the A-10 Program Office at Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he retired on October 1, 1979, with 32 years of military service.

His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads:

Major Raymond J. Merritt distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on 16 September 1965. On that date, Major Merritt led a flight of F-105s on a search and destroy mission against multiple surface-to-air missile sites deep within hostile territory. Penetrating the defensive envelope on a low-level high-speed run, Major Merritt sacrificed the limited safety of maneuver for accuracy in weapons delivery as he courageously flew through a curtain of ground fire to attack the target. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Merritt has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Colonel Merrit will be missed dearly by his wife, Dorothy, as well as all his friends and family.

He is survived by two sons, three daughters, as well as numerous grandchildren.