The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Sidney Douglas Buxton Merrill (NSN: 0-73635), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HALSEY POWELL (DD-686), in operations against the enemy on 20 and 21 March 1945, while deployed off the coast of Japan. After his ship had been struck and holed by an enemy aircraft resulting in serious flooding and the disablement of her steering gear, he directed with superb skill, courage, determination, and seamanship and despite persistent air attacks by the enemy he saved his ship and extricated her from the enemy waters. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.