Vice Admiral Aaron S. Merrill
U.S. Navy (USN), Commander Task Force 68 (TF 68) "Merrill's Marauders"

Background
Aaron Stanton Merrill was born March 26, 1890 to parents Dunbar Surget Merrill and Charlotte Brandon Stanton at Brandon Hall in Natchez, Mississippi. His 2nd great-grandfather was Gerard Chittocque Brandon, one of Mississippi's earliest governors. Nicknamed "Tip" from his great-grandfather, who fought in the Battle of Tippecanoe. His grandfather, Ayres Phillips Merrill, was also once U.S. Minister to Belgium. His father, Aaron Stanton was a Confederate soldier, also nicknamed "Tip". He attended the United States Naval Academy (USNA) class of 1912. Married Louise Gautier Witherbee on January 28, 1922.

Wartime History
Merrill was Professor of Naval Science and Tactics at Tulane University. During April 1942 with the rank of Captain took command of newly completed battleship USS Indiana (BB-58). During January 1943, promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and became the commander of Task Force 68 (TF-68) "Merrill's Marauders" a cruiser and destroyer force that operated in the Solomon Islands.

On March 6, 1943 during Battle of Blackett Strait aboard USS Montpelier (CL-57) as his flagship an engagement using only radar fire control. For his leadership earned both the Legion of Merit and the Navy Cross.

On June 29, 1943 aboard USS Montpelier (CL-57) as his flagship for a cruiser and destroyer bombardment and mine laying mission against the Shortland Islands. On June 30, 1943 in the early morning hours, heavy rain caused poor visibility but despite the weather, the force conducts a radar bombardment against targets in the Shortland Islands while minelayers lay mines off Shortland Harbor then the force withdraws. This was the deepest penetration by Allied warships into enemy held territory to date.

On July 14, 1943 Turner is relieved as Commander, South Pacific Amphibious Force III Amphibious Force and Task Force 32 (TF 32) and Commander, New Georgia Attack Force departs for Hawaii. He is replaced by Rear Admiral Theodore S. Wilkinson.

On June 15, 1944 Merrill became Director of the Office of Public Relations for the Navy until April 23, 1945. Merrill joined a diplomatic delegation to meet with members of the Chilean government to discuss mutual defense policies in Santiago, Chile. While in attendance, Merrill's efforts to establish an American naval mission to Chile in place of the former British presence would earn him the title of Grand Officer of the Order of Merit by Chile.

Postwar
During June 1946, served for several months as commandant of the Eighth Naval District in New Orleans, Louisiana. Afterwards, Merrill assumed command of Gulf Sea Frontier until he was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral and retired in November 1947. Afterwards, moved back to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. Later, retired in New Orleans. He passed away February 28, 1961 at age 70.

Awards
Merrill earned both the Legion of Merit and the Navy Cross for his leadership during the Battle of Blackett Strait an engagement using only radar fire control.

References
FindAGrave - VADM Aaron Stanton “Tip” Merrill (photo, grave photo)

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