James Lee Merrick Jr (1943-1968)

MERRICK, TAFT, SPENCER, KNAPP

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/15/2025 at 14:40:14

From Ames Daily Tribune, Ames, Story County, Iowa, October 5, 1968.

Ames flier killed on Navy mission

Lt. James L. Merrick, Jr., 25, son of Mrs. Mary T. Merrrick, 1723 Douglas Ave., was killed Thursday returning to the Aircraft Carrier Hancock from a mission over North Vietnam.

Lt. Merrick was born Sept. 21, 1943, in Ames. He was graduated from Ames High School in 1961 and from Iowa State University in 1965. He received his commission in the U.S. Navy at that time.

He took his flight training at Pensacola, Fla., Meridian, Miss., and Corpus Christi, Tex. He received his wings in March 1967. He was assigned to the Photo Reconnaissance Squadron aboard the carrier Hancock, flying an F-8 Crusader. He had been in Vietnam since August, 1968.

Lt. Merrick is also survived by his grandparents, Paul C. Taft, 2021 Greenbriar Circle; Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Spencer, 521 12th St. and an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Knapp, 1519 Marston Ave.

A memorial fund has been established. Contributions may be sent to the Union Story Bank.

Stevens Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.

From Ames Daily Tribune, Ames, Story County, Iowa, October 19, 1968.

Merrick rites set for Monday

Funeral services for Lt. James L. Merrick, J4., 25, will be Monday at St. Cecilia's Catholic CVhurch at 10 a.m. Rosary will be recited Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Chapel. The body will lie in state from noon until time of the rosary on Sunday.

Lt. Merrick, the son of Mrs. Mary T. Merrrick, 1723 Douglas Ave., died Oct 3 when his plane crashed as he was returning to the Aircraft Carrier U S S Hancock from a mission over North Vietnam.

Lt. Merrick is also survived by his grandparents, Paul C. Taft, 2021 Greenbriar Circle; Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Spencer, 521 12th St. and an aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Knapp, 1519 Marston Ave.

A memorial fund has been established. Contributions may be sent to the Union Story Trust and Savings Bank.

Stevens Memorial Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.

From Ames Daily Tribune, Ames, Story County, Iowa, March 3, 1969.

Posthumous awards to Lt. Merrick

Mrs. Mary L. Taft Merrick, 1723 Douglas Ave., received awards earned by her son, Lt. James Lee Merrick Jr., at her home Feb 221 from Capt James H McGhee, professor of Naval Science at Iowa State University.

Lt. Merrick, United States Navy, has been awarded the Air Medal posthumously by vice admiral W F Bringle, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. The award was made for meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of jet photographer reconnaissance aircraft engaged in combat operations in South East Asia.

Lt. Merrick lost his life in an aircraft crash at see last October while returning to the Aircraft Carrier USS Hancock from a combat mission. In addition the the air medal, Lt. Merrick earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar during his naval service.

Merrick was a graduate of the ROTC program at Iowa State University. He received his B.S. degree and was commissioned ensign, U S Navy, in August, 1965.