William Cecil Merkley

Rest in peace Bill. I´m sorry we didn´t keep in touch often enough after working together flying helicopters in Peru during 1974.
You were always full of kindness and we loved your endless humor.
You will always be remembered.
Glenn and Huyen

I never really got to know Bill but was good friends with his brother Barry who has told many stories of him
Rest in peace Bill and from what I have heard you have had a wonderful life.

Just found a photo from our Vietnam Days. Bill was not yet 21 years of age when he had been shot down three times, and as I say, he always came up smelling of roses!

Sincerely,
Max Speedy,
EMU 3 in the 135th AHC 1968/69

We flew together in Vietnam with the 135th Assault Helicopter Company, The Emu´s. In 2016 he visited us in Australia. Here he is with real emus. RIP my friend.

Bill Merkley as I knew him was a great pilot in Vietnam, just unlucky in being shot down so many times but always came back up smelling of roses. He gave much to all who knew him.
Rest safely in peace, Brother.
Max Speedy, an Aussie pilot with Bill in the great 135th EMUs.

I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a pilot with my brother in Vietnam and they kept in touch, when my brother passed two years ago Mr. Merkley sent me a nice message. My prayers are with you all at this time. RIP Sir.

Mis sentimientos de pesar para su familia, a Bill lo quise mucho, fue un maravilloso amigo
R.I.P. Bill
Roberto Moncayo

Bill was our neighbor in Jacksonville, FL while he was growing up. We had the opportunity to visit with he and Shirley in Alaska several times. He loved his family. He was always our friend, and an upright man. Condolences to his family, he will be missed.

I knew Bill for many years, he lived across the street from my brother, Buddy, they had a very special friendship. Bill was a wonderful friend and a great man
Steve Brannen