Van Santvoord Merle-Smith

Van Santvoord Merle-Smith (June 22, 1889 – November 9, 1943) was a United States soldier, lawyer, and investment banker, who served as Third Assistant Secretary of State from 1920 to 1921, and as Executive Intelligence Officer to General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.

Early life Van Santvoord Merle-Smith was born in Oyster Bay, New York in 1889. He was the son of Zaidee Van Santvoord (1858–1943) and Rev. Wilton Merle Smith (1856–1923), D.D., pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in New York City, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. His older sister was Dorothy (née Merle-Smith) Pyle (1887–1982) and his younger sister was Anita (née Merle-Smith) Knight (1891–1971).

He was educated at Princeton University, graduating in 1911, and at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1914.

Career During World War I, Merle-Smith served in the United States Army's 165th Infantry Regiment, 42nd Division, achieving the rank of captain. Captain Merle-Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on July 28, 1918, with the medal's citation reading as follows:

Quote|The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Van Santvoord Merle-Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 165th Infantry Regiment, 42d Division, A.E.F., near Villers-sur-Fere, France, on 28 July 1918. Captain Merle-Smith was in command of a company at the crossing of the River Ourcq. Despite the loss of all the other officers in his company, and although wounded himself, he continued to direct his men effectively against the enemy. When his major was killed he succeeded to the command of the battalion and led it forward throughout the day with courage and gallantry.

After leaving the United States Department of State, Merle-Smith joined the New York City law firm of Pratt & McAlpin. He later became an investment banker with Roosevelt & Son.

Merle-Smith returned to the army with the outbreak of World War II, achieving the rank of colonel. She was the daughter of Kate Grosvenor and Eldridge M. Fowler, and the granddaughter of Col. W. M. Grosvenor. The couple would eventually have four children:

Van Santvoord Merle-Smith Jr. (1917–2003), who was the chaplain of the Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Nancy Merle-Smith (1921–1991), who married to Robert C. Stover in 1948. Fowler Merle-Smith (1926–1998), who was an administrator and teacher at the Buckley School in New York City and later at Princeton Day School. Margaret Merle-Smith (1929–1965), who married William St. Clair Childs (1928–1965),

Three months after his breakdown, Merle-Smith died in Cove Neck, New York, on November 9, 1943. His funeral was attended by more than 400 people.