Robert Kimball “Kim” Mercado was born in New Hampshire on December 23, 1937. His mother’s father was an Army physician, so the Army was in his blood. Kim’s parents divorced shortly after his birth. His mother, Sarah (Sally) Mercado, later married Luis Mercado (USMA 1937), who adopted Kim and became his father. He spent his boyhood moving from post to post as a typical Army brat. In 1956, Kim graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio, TX, and from then on he considered San Antonio his hometown. As a cadet, Kim preferred physical endeavor to academics and was an outstanding athlete, primarily as a corps squad lacrosse player, as well as with various intramural sports. An overtly social person, he was a stalwart in the Hop Committee all four years, as well as with chapel acolytes and the Debate Council, and he was a budding photography enthusiast as a member of the Camera Club.
Kim met and married his first wife, Ursula Oberberger, during his first active duty in Germany, producing his very special and loved daughters, Antonia Maria (Mercado) Boyle, Andrea (Mercado) Amann, and Katrin Alessandra (Mercado) Lawson. Unfortunately, while the family was living in San Antonio, the marriage with Ursula ended, and Kim, some years later, married Barbara Fuller, who survived him at his passing.
Kim lived life to the fullest extent possible. On the day before the start of the Ranger Course, Kim drove his little MG convertible to Macon, GA to visit a girlfriend. Kim’s drive home started well after midnight. Driving through the Sand Hill area of the post in the wee hours, he started to fall asleep, which caused his car to begin to drift toward the side of the road. Coming awake with a start, he jerked the steering wheel in the opposite direction. This over-correction caused the car to go off the road and flip completely over. Kim was able to throw his upper body across the passenger seat, avoiding serious injury, but he was trapped under the car. Fortunately, a guard detail came marching down the road a few minutes afterwards. They heard Kim’s cries for help and were able to roll the car back on its wheels and free Kim.
The first 10 years of Kim’s active duty was at the tip of the Army spear. He was commissioned Infantry, was Airborne and Ranger qualified, and graduated from the Spanish Guerilla Warfare School. He served with the 15th Infantry in Germany, 1961-63; 10th Special Forces, Bad Toiz, Germany, 1968-69; and was the operations officer, 173d Airborne Brigade, Vietnam, 1970. In 1971 Kim transferred to the Medical Service Corps, a predilection of his caring for people. In a humorous remark to classmate Phil Blake, he said that he wanted the Army to teach him a skill that he could use after retirement, and that is what happened. Kim’s MSC service was every bit as distinguished as his combat experience. After his transfer, he became the adjutant, Letterman Army Medical Center, the Presidio of San Francisco, CA. He then became chief, Administrative Support Branch, U.S. Army Hospital, West Point, 1973-75. During this time he completed his Master of Hospital Administration degree by taking courses through the Academy of Health Sciences/Baylor University study program, finishing in 1974. From 1975 to 1977 Kim was the executive officer of the Durham Army Health Clinic, Carlisle Barracks, PA. He was the commander of the 5th Combat Hospital, Fort Bragg, 1977-79, and the administrator of the Fort Huachuca MEDDAC in 1980-81.
In 1980, Kim was sent to El Salvador on temporary duty as a member of a team to assist the Salvadoran Armed Forces evaluate its health care system, which, due to that country’s civil unrest, was a very hazardous job. Kim’s military awards understate his service and intrepid persona: two Legions of Merit, a Soldier’s Medal, five Bronze Stars (one with “V” for valor) four Meritorious Service Medals, an Army Commendation Medal with “V” for valor, and an Air Medal, and numerous foreign decorations.
Kim retired from active duty in 1981 and began his civilian career. Service included VP St. Mary’s Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, 1982-83; director, Humana Health Plan, Corpus Christi, TX, 1983-85; founder and President, Pacific Care of Texas, San Antonio, 1986; and director, Health Center Management Humana Health, San Antonio, 1987-90. He obtained a teaching certificate from Southwest Texas State University in 1991,
As a mathematics and science teacher for 12 years in several Texas schools, Kim also served as a coach of volleyball and basketball and his associated accomplishments were acknowledged by numerous awards. Later in life, Kim became interested in military miniatures. Fashioning soldiers of the 18th and 19th centuries and painting them in historically authentic colors became his hobby. So keen was his interest that he and Barbara travelled to Paris for an international exhibition in 1999.
Kim’s too-early death in 2003 from chronic lymphocytic leukemia may well have been a long delayed aftermath of Agent Orange exposure: the combat wound that finally claims the soldier’s life. Kim was a devout Episcopalian his entire life. Kim and Barbara were members of St. George Episcopal Church in San Antonio, and that is where his funeral was held on what would have been his 66th birthday, December 23, 2003. He was buried at the National Cemetery, Fort Sam Houston, TX. The esteem of his family and comrades and his effect on the many lives he touched lives on. Grip hands: Well Done; Be Thou at Peace.