PFC Vincent Francis Merrick

PFC Vincent Francis Merrick was born 5 Jun 1918 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the oldest of 3 children and only son born to Thomas and Anna M. (Walsh) Merrick. His father was a policeman in Jersey City for many years and reported a 1939 income of $2940 although the family rented their dwelling for $50 a month. In contrast, Vincent was working in dress manufacturing and reported a 1939 income of $240.

Vincent began his Army service on 15 May 1942. He may have been assigned to Headquarters 1st Battalion 116th Infantry before the unit departed for England in September 1942 but he was certainly assigned to the unit by June 1943. He would have participated in the training the unit received for the amphibious assault that it would take part in on 6 Jun 1944. He did, likely landing with MAJ Dallas on that day and working through the next few days to solidify the beachhead that had been established. PFC Merrick was killed in action on 9 Jun 1944.

PFC Merrick was repatriated in 1948 and re-interred in Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, New Jersey.