The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Meryl A. Griffiths (ASN: RA-18281772), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, while assaulting an enemy-held hill near Yaksan-dong, Korea, the First Platoon of Company G was pinned down by intense hostile fire. Sergeant Griffiths, leader of the Second Squad, realizing the platoon’s precarious position, unhesitatingly moved forward alone, firing his weapon and throwing grenades at an enemy position. Although wounded by the hail of return fire, he courageously continued advancing and nearing an enemy bunker, hurled a hand grenade which neutralized the position. Observing intense automatic weapons fire on the right flank, he fearlessly approached and, having used his grenade supply when his personal weapon failed to fire, began to hurl rocks with such accuracy that the foe sought cover, permitting friendly elements to seize and secure the position. Single-handedly accounting for six enemy dead, his valiant conduct made a vital contribution to the ultimate success of his unit’s mission. The exemplary gallantry and inspiring aggressiveness exhibited by Sergeant Griffiths reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.