Palm Springs, California
Age 94
Rear Admiral Merlin H. Staring, JAGC, USN, passed on June 3, 2013 at the age of 94. Born in 1919 in upstate New York, he lived a long and successful life. Merlin earned a scholarship to LSU and graduated with honors in Physics and Speech. Named outstanding ROTC field-artillery cadet, he then...
Read MoreAs a survivor of the USS Liberty, I first met the Admiral when he lived in Maryland and visited him. I soon discovered his superior convictions, his keen sense of justice, and his loyalty to Navy servicemen no matter who you were. Meeting the Admiral was one of my high points in my life. I hope and pray he is resting in the arms of the Lord.
Ernest Gallo
June 05, 2022
He was a dear friend for 70 plus years
Charles Suber
August 20, 2013 | New Orleans, LA
I became aware of the Admiral's remarkable talents while I was serving as the Director of the Judge Advocate Division at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. I extend my sincere regrets to his family.
Charles J. Keever
Colonel, USMC (Ret.)
June 17, 2013
I had the privilege of experiencing the Admiral's great personality and remarkable talents while serving as the Director of the Judge Advocate Division at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corrps. I respectfully send my regrets to his family.
Charles J. Keever
Colonel, USMC (Retired)
Charles Keever
June 17, 2013 | Honolulu, HI
My sympathy is extended to the family of RADM Staring
RADM Clifford J Sturek
June 17, 2013 | Silver Spring, MD
I remember Admiral Staring from the viewpoint of having been a very junior officer in the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps when he was appointed Judge Advocate General. Unlike the Army, the Navy did not have a JAG Corps until 1968 and it was in its formative infancy when Admiral Staring became "the JAG." His task was daunting: "herding cats" -- leading hundreds of opinionated young lawyers from typically liberal universities in a time (the end of the Vietnam era)when the services were...
Mark Sullivan
June 16, 2013 | Westlake Village, CA
May God comfort everyone who was fortunate emough to know Admiral Staring. He comforted us (USS Liberty crew) in sharing his story with us at our 2002 reunion. I was lucky to share time with him at the Old Bold Pilots in Palm Desert. He was a sailors sailor. My best wishes to his family.
Don Pageler (USS Liberty survivor)
June 13, 2013
We will miss you so much Admiral. You had been so close to our heart. It was such an honor to be able to be of service to you even for such a short time. We love you. From all of us at Bella Casa and Alternative CareGiving Solutions
Ula Carlos
June 13, 2013 | La Quinta, CA
Admiral Staring is one of my all time great heros and champions. I thank the Lord, I had the chance to know him and call him "my friend". Once, he visited Patricia and I in Palm Coast, FL and I gave him a ride on my boat, "Little Liberty". I remarked that I apologized for not being able to pipe him aboard. So, St. Peter, I defer to you to pipe Merlin aboard Heaven. I will miss him dearly and so will the USS Liberty Veterans Association. Rest in Peace, mate, Ernie Gallo
Ernest Gallo
June 13, 2013 | Palm Coast, FL
