Out of the Desert: A Personal History

Merlin Oscar Tryon was born in Bryce, Arizona on August 21, 1910, the oldest of 12 children in a Mormon family of Arizona pioneers. He graduated from Thatcher Union High School, served a two-year mission in Mississippi, and attended Arizona State University where he received a degree in business administration. While at Arizona State he joined the Arizona National Guard. He taught business subjects at the high school level for two years, when his National Guard unit was activated at the start of World WarII. His saw action under General Patton in North Africa, Sicily and finally in Italy at Anzio Beachhead, where he was severely wounded. During his rehabilitation he decided to pursue a career in the Army. In 1965 he retired at the rank of full Colonel after a distinguished career of 32 years, during which he attended many of the most prestigious Army schools, and served overseas in China, Japan, Germany and Korea. In retirement he owned a hardware store, played golf and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His death on July 29, 1999 was mourned by his many family and friends.