Sweetser, Willard Merton (1902-2007)

In Recognition For: Service to the Town of Gray, Service to Navy
sweetser, willard

Merton (as he was called in Gray) was born 6/9/1902. He died in South Paris at the South Paris Veteran’s Home on 11/30/2007. He was 105 years old at the time of his death. He also was the oldest alumni of the U.S. Naval Academy.

Merton was educated in Gray and the Naval Academy. He attended grade schools in the town and from the Pennell Institute .He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Exurb: “The President of the United States of America took pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Willard Merton Sweetser (NSN: 0-60283), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer Screen, operating in enemy Japanese-controlled waters from 13 - 17 October 1944. With the ships under his command assigned to a Task Unit protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged vessels, Captain Sweetser directed his destroyers in rescuing personnel; in providing an effective screen against enemy submarines; and in repelling many hostile air attacks. By his leadership and devotion to duty throughout, Captain Sweetser contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Merton loved the Town of Gray and often referred to it in his world travels.  He lived in many places and had many naval assignments, but Gray remained his hometown. In 1972 he returned to Gray. At this time, he encouraged George Hill to compile a book on the history of Gray. He and his wife Barbara worked with him to write the book, history, records and recollections of Gray, Maine. Merton wanted no credit for his work, just the satisfaction of seeing the history published.

Sponsor: Gray Historical Society
Added: Jan, 22 2019