Merrimack Historical Society

FORREST PERCIVAL SHERMAN

This native of Merrimack was born October 30, 1896 on Depot Street, son of one of the headmasters of the McGaw Institute.

He was a member of the Navel Academy class of 1917. A naval aviator from 1922, his peacetime service included aviation, surface, and staff assignments.

He was captain of the aircraft carrier "Wasp" (CV-7) when it was sunk by three Japanese torpedo hits in the Solomon Islands September 25, 1942. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism in command of the carrier. He later served as Chief of Navel Operations, and the destroyer, "USS Forrest Sherman" (DD-931) was named in his honor and launched February 5, 1955.

He died July 22, 1951 in Naples, Italy.

Admiral Sherman's framed photograph hangs in the original lobby of the present Middle School, formerly the high school.