Col. Daniel ‘Desert Duke’ Merritt
Col. Dan Merritt’s dog tags are back in a place of honor thanks to another fortunate find by Steve Smith and his trusty metal detector.
Gladewater’s long-since proved to be fruitful territory for the Mabank treasure seeker and relic wrangler, and Smith’s recent excursion was no exception.
According to Gladewater Museum volunteer Kathy Shipp, “The item he presented held significant personal and historical value for the family of a former Gladewater resident.”
Born in 1948, the late-Daniel Merritt (known to his loved ones as ‘Danny’) finished Gladewater High School in 1967 and became a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1972.
In a 24-year career, the armor officer eventually led soldiers in combat in Desert Storm. The “Desert Duke” was ultimately awarded the Silver Star for his actions there. Other honors during his military career included the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, five Meritorious Service Medals and the Army Commendation Medal.
Merritt retired from the Armed Forces as a colonel after 24 years in the service. Returning home to East Texas, Merritt died in 2004 and was interred in Gladewater’s Friendship Cemetery.