Merrill, Frank (Frank Dow), 1903-1955

Frank Dow Merrill was born on December 4, 1903. Merrill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1922. He later attended the U.S.M.A. at West Point where he graduated in 1929. While serving as a military attache in Tokyo, Merrill learned Chinese and Japanese. Merrill served as intelligence officer to General Douglas McArthur just prior to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Shortly thereafter, Merrill became an aid to Lieutenant General Joseph W. Stilwell in the China-Burma-India Theater. In October 1943, Merrill led a group of irregular troops, known popularly as "Merrill's Marauders", on a long-range penetration into the Burmese jungles. Merrill was later promoted to the rank of major general; however, heart problems shortened his military career. Merrill died in 1955 while serving as New Hampshire Highway Commissioner.

From the description of Frank Dow Merrill papers, 1941-48. (Manchester City Library). WorldCat record id: 28261225

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