Born:                             1923

Enlistment date:           

Deployments:                Europe

Units:                             301st Troop Carrier Squadron, 441st Troop Carrier Group, 50th Troop Carrier Wing9th Air Force

Rank:                            Staff Sergeant

Specialisations:             Crew Chief

Qualifications:             

Decorations:                  Air Medal

Deceased:                      27 July 1944   Cambridge, England 

 Other Information:        Merl was born in Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa in 1923 as the second child to Merl and Helen Skinner. He joined the 301st Troop Carrier Squadron on November 26th 1943 from the 61st Troop carrier Wing, just in time to participate in the 301st TCS manoeuvres  He flew as crew chief on C-47 42-93036 piloted by RA Manni on the D-Day mission to Normandy. He flew a second mission with Lt N W Tuck in C-47 42-93038 and was awarded the Air Medal for his actions on these operations. He is buried at the American Cemetery in Cambridge England at Plot F Row 4 Grave 6.​​