Captain Mercer R. Smith (MCSN: 0-24054), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was shot down and captured during the Korean War on 1 May 1951 and was held until his release on 5 September 1953.
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Mercer R. Smith (MCSN: 0-24054), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Mercer R. Smith (MCSN: 0-24054), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during as a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED ELEVEN (VMF-311) in Korea.