Published July 05. 2021 12:01AM
I was sad to learn of the recent passing of Merle Smith Jr. of New London, the first Black cadet to enroll and graduate from the Coast Guard Academy. The Vietnam veteran served as a role model for many in the military and the public throughout his life.
Last year, right before COVID-19 closed everything down, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum and the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut featured Smith and several other area residents in a program titled, Stories of Resilience: Encountering Racism. The program, which drew a large crowd, showcased their stories of determination, bravery, and strength in the face of personal and systemic racism.
Cmdr Merle Smith, trailblazing cadet and officer, dies at 76
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Merle Smith, first Black graduate of Coast Guard Academy, dies of COVID complications
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The legacy of Commander Merle Smith
Merle J. Smith Jr., left, pictured with his father, U.S. Army Col. Merle J. Smith Sr., and then Coast Guard Commandant Willard J. Smith at the Coast Guard Academy commencement in 1966. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Published June 22. 2021 6:42PM | Updated June 22. 2021 7:43PM By
Cadet Merle Smith was everything a future Coast Guard officer needed to be when he entered the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1962. A natural leader eager to lead, he was smart, athletic, determined and brave. He had to be. He would need all of those qualities not simply as an officer but as a groundbreaker; like many who challenge traditional norms, h
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.
Erica Moser
As a business reporter, I write about small businesses opening and closing, manufacturing, food and drink, labor issues and economic data. I particularly love writing about the impact of state and federal policy on local businesses. I also do some education reporting, covering colleges in southeastern Connecticut and regional K-12 issues.