Day, left, presents the honor to Mercer
NEW CITY – Spring Valley resident Kenneth Mercer, a former US Marine Corps lance corporal, was named on Thursday as the 2016 recipient of the Rockland County Buffalo Soldier Award.
The award is presented annually to an outstanding African-American veteran who lives in Rockland. “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the US Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline. The soldiers, largely in the Tenth Cavalry Regiment, also served in World War I, World War II and in Vietnam.
Mercer, 67, joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served until 1970, when he was honorably discharged. He served in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive, serving in both Marine Corps divisions – first and third – with 1st Battalion 27th and 1st Battalion 9th, nicknamed “The Walking Dead” by Ho Chi Minh. Those two units were bestowed the Marine Corps’ three highest combat awards, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
“Kenneth Mercer embodies the American spirit and dedication to service, which is clearly evident through his lifelong commitment to family, community, and our armed services,” said County Executive Edwin Day. “Awards like this are important because they allow us to recognize those who have served our national at home and abroad sacrificing to preserve our way of life. We thank Kenneth for his bravery and for his continued service to our residents.”
