Military:  Hugh Mercer, Jr., 1969, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From:  March 13, 1969 Winn Parish Enterprise-News American

Hugh Mercer, Jr. Is Honored Posthumously

The Silver Star, first Oak Leaf Cluster (LC) to the Distinguished Flying
Cross, Air Medal with the first through ninth OLCs, the first OLC to the Air
Force Commendation medal and the Purple Heart were posthumously awarded to
Major Pollard H. Mercer, Jr., Winnfield, in a special ceremony at England Air
Force Base recently.

The presentation was made to Elizabeth L. Mercer, Alexandria, widow of Major
Mercer, by Colonel Albert S. Pouliot, former commander of the 1st Special
Operations Wing at the Central Louisiana base.

Also present at the ceremonies were sons Carl, Pollard H. III, and daughters
Leanna and Deena, and Major Mercer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pollard H. Mercer,
Sr., of Winnfield.

Major Mercer was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in connection
with military operations against an opposing armed force over North Vietnam on
January 14, 1968.  On that date, Major Mercer, by his outstanding display of
professionalism and courage in the face of hostile fire from unfriendly
forces, was highly instrumental in the success of the air operation.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded Major Mercer for his extraordinary
achievement while participating in aerial flight as an EB-66 aircraft
commander in Southeast Asia on August 31, 1967.  He was also awarded the first
through ninth Oak Leaf Clusters to the Air Medal for meritorious service as
assistant operations officer with the 41st Tactical Electronic Warfare
Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.
Major Mercer was awarded the first Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Force
Commendation Medal.