Bismarck Myrick, a former U.S. ambassador, decorated Vietnam War hero and Portsmouth native, died Sunday. He was 83.
Myrick served as ambassador to two African countries: Lesotho from 1995 to 1998, and Liberia from 1999 to 2002. He was appointed to both positions by President Bill Clinton, but remained on in Liberia after President George W. Bush took office in 2001.
Myrick graduated at the top of his class at I.C. Norcom High School in 1959. Afterward, he enlisted in the Army. He worked his way up the ranks during two decades of service, which included time in Okinawa, Germany and South Korea…