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Tag: CDR Merle Smith

Cmdr. Merle J. Smith, Jr. was the second African American to receive an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the first to graduate. Smith served as a role model for countless cadets, faculty, and staff at the Coast Guard Academy.

June 25, 2021

Fair winds and following seas: Cmdr. Merle Smith, CGA's 1st African American graduate

Cmdr. Smith, 76, died June 16. The wake and funeral service will be held next month in New London.