Quick Facts
Biography
Van Santvoord Merle-Smith (1889–1943) 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.
Biography
Van Santvoord Merle-Smith was born in Oyster Bay, New York in 1889. His father was the Rev. Wilton Merle Smith, D.D., pastor of Central Presbyterian Church in New York City, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. His mother was the daughter of Alfred Van Santvoord. He was educated at Princeton University, graduating in 1911, and at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1914.
In 1916, Merle-Smith married Kate Grosvenor Fowler. The couple would eventually have four children: Van Santvoord Merle-Smith, Jr. (b. 1917), Nancy (b. 1921), Fowler (b. 1926), and Margaret (b. 1929).
During World War I, Merle-Smith served in the United States Army's 165th Infantry Regiment, achieving the rank of Captain. Captain Merle-Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on July 28, 1918, when he assumed command of his company during combat with the enemy near Villers-sur-Fère after his major was killed during the course of battle. Merle-Smith had attained the rank of Major by the time he left the army.
After the war, Merle-Smith served as Third Assistant Secretary of State from June 24, 1920 to March 4, 1921 during the administration of President of the United States Woodrow Wilson.
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. Like his grandfather Alfred Van Santvoord, Merle-Smith developed a passion for yachting, and was a prominent member of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.
Merle-Smith returned to the United States Army with the outbreak of World War II, achieving the rank of Colonel. He became Executive Intelligence Officer for General Douglas MacArthur. In 1943, Colonel Merle-Smith suffered a mental breakdown brought on by heavy staff work in the South Pacific.
Three months after his breakdown, Merle-Smith died in Cove Neck, New York in November 1943.