Merritt, Lewie G. (Lewie Griffith), 1897-1974

Lewie Griffith Merritt (b. June 26, 1897, Ridge Spring, S.C.-d. March 24, 1974), Major General in the U.S. Marine Corps, graduated from the Citadel and was commissioned in 1917. He served in the Dominican Republic and with the American Expeditionary Force in 1918 and 1919). He was designated a naval aviator in 1924 and earned a law degree in 1928. In 1942 he was commander of Service Group, Marine Air Wings Pacific and became commanding general of Fleet Marine Air, West Coast from 1942 to 1945, then First Marine Aircraft Wing. General Merritt retired in June 1947.

From the description of Merritt, L. G. (Lewie Griffith), 1897-1974 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10599074

Major General L.G. Merritt was a pioneer in marine aviation and is credited as one of the first to make use of dive-bombing; Merritt Field at the Marine Corps Air Station (Beaufort, S.C.) was named in his honor. earned law degree and served as Legislative counsel to the S.C. General Assembly; 1917 graduate of The Citadel; native of Ridge Spring (Saluda County, S.C.)

From the description of Lewie Griffith Merritt papers, 1917-1974. (University of South Carolina). WorldCat record id: 156825827