Bismarck Myrick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bismarck Myrick
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| United States Ambassador to Liberia | |
| In office August 20, 1999 – July 23, 2002 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | William Milam |
| Succeeded by | John W. Blaney |
| United States Ambassador to Lesotho | |
| In office April 27, 1995 – June 10, 1998 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Karl W. Hofmann |
| Succeeded by | Katherine Canavan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 23, 1940 Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | September 29, 2024 (aged 83) |
| Spouse | Marie-Pierre Mbaye-Myrick |
| Alma mater | University of Tampa Syracuse University |
Bismarck Myrick Sr. (born December 23, 1940 – died September 29, 2024) was an important American diplomat. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia from 1999 to 2002. Before that, he was the U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho from 1995 to 1998.
Myrick was a highly respected member of the U.S. Foreign Service. He was also a hero from the Vietnam War. He represented the U.S. when Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. The country of Lesotho gave him its highest award for non-citizens. Newspapers in Liberia called him "Diplomat of the Year" multiple times. His hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia honored him by naming streets after him. He was also recognized as a "Portsmouth Notable," which is the city's highest honor.
Contents
Myrick's Career Journey
Bismarck Myrick grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia. He studied at the University of Tampa and later earned a master's degree from Syracuse University. He also received an honorary doctorate from Spelman College.
Military Service and Awards
Myrick started his career in the army as a private. He worked as a military police officer in Okinawa and Germany. Later, he became an infantry officer in South Korea.
He was an infantry company commander during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. For his bravery, he received several important awards. These included the Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for heroism. He also earned two more Bronze Stars for excellent service in a combat zone. Myrick was also awarded the Purple Heart, which is given to soldiers wounded in battle.
In 1996, he was honored by being added to the U.S. Army Hall of Fame in Fort Benning, Georgia. He was also recognized in the National Infantry Museum's Hall of Fame.
Diplomatic Work as a Foreign Service Officer
In 1980, Myrick joined the United States Foreign Service. This is a group of people who represent the U.S. in other countries. His first job was working on issues related to Somalia.
From 1982 to 1984, he worked as a political officer in Monrovia, Liberia. He then returned to Washington, D.C. to work on nuclear policy. He helped with talks about nuclear testing in Geneva.
Myrick also served in South Africa during a very important time. From 1990 to 1995, he helped the U.S. manage its policies as South Africa changed from apartheid (a system of racial segregation) to a democracy where everyone had equal rights.
The government of Lesotho gave him its highest award, the Most Meritorious Order of Mohlomi. They honored him for helping to promote democracy in their country.
Myrick also wrote several articles and official documents. He co-authored a book chapter called "The United States and Liberia."
Teaching at Old Dominion University
After his diplomatic career, Myrick shared his knowledge with students. He taught political science at Old Dominion University. He was an "Ambassador-in-Residence," meaning he brought his real-world experience to the classroom.
His Passing
Bismarck Myrick passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 83.
