MajGen Lewie G. Merritt, USMC
Class of 1917
Hometown: Ridge Spring, SC
- Merritt was an early pioneer of Marine aviation, and instrumental in establishing air power as an integral part of the Marine air, land and sea mission. He was the first American aviator to make operational use of dive-bombing as an ordinance delivery technique in combat.
- The Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, SC is named Merritt Field in recognition of Merritt's contribution to Marine Corps aviation.
- Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, after graduation from The Citadel, Merritt served in France during World War I, and was one of the famous "Devil Dogs" of Marine Corps legend at the Battle of Belleau Wood in 1918.
- During World War II, Merritt was the only Marine Corps Aviator to serve in both the European and Asian Theaters of battle during World War II. His outstanding leadership of the Fourth Marine Air Wing was considered critical for its support of amphibious operations in the Pacific including the successful Tarawa and Kwajalein Air Campaigns.