Lieutenant General Merle Freitag graduated from South Dakota State University and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1962. He served in a multitude of diverse assignments, which included serving two tours in Vietnam.

He commanded the 45th Transportation Company, 5th Transportation Battalion, and Division Support Command, 101st Airborne Division. Other key assignments included Chief, Acquisition and Support Program Analysis Division, Program Analysis and Evaluation Directorate; Director, Resource Management, ODCSLOG; Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Production and Logistics); Director, Army Budget and Comptroller of the Army, Office of the Secretary of the Army. He retired in 1994.

His decorations and badges include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (w/OLC), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (w/2OLC), Air Medals (9+”V” device), Army Commendation Medal, Master Aviator Badge, Air Assault Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and Secretary of Defense Identification Badge. He received an MBA (ORSA) from Tulane University (1971).