The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas N. Merendino (ASN: 0-412675), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Cannon Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of Ferme Cantho, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, Lieutenant Merendino directed the fire of his self-propelled 105-mm. howitzer upon an enemy stronghold. Observing that this fire failed to dislodge the enemy, Lieutenant Merendino ordered his vehicle to ram the stone wall which the enemy was using as cover. Then, without regard for his own safety, he dismounted from his vehicle and, with the aid of one man, succeeded in taking twenty prisoners. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Thomas N. Merendino (ASN: 0-412675), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On 12 July 1943, the Cannon Company was engaged in a desperate fire fight against a powerful force of counterattacking enemy heavy tanks near Nicemi, Sicily. Shortly after dark, massed enemy artillery laid a heavy concentration on the positions of the organization. The enemy shelling set fire to a large dump of high octane gasoline near which the vehicles were refueling, and the tremendous conflagration which resulted spread throughout the area in which the guns, vehicles, and ammunition were emplaced. The large ammunition supply began to burn and explode, and the men and vehicles trapped in the inferno. The enemy fire grew in intensity, as their batteries, guided by the tremendous blaze, concentrated on the stricken company. Captain Merendino was under a full track, which was struck by the enemy fire. After aiding the wounded occupants of the vehicle, Captain Merendino, without the least regard for his personal safety, went to the rescue of his men. Time and time again Captain Merendino went through the flaming cauldron to carry out burned and wounded men. He continued his gallant rescue with the aid of several of his men until all the casualties and salvageable equipment were removed to safety from the shell blasted, fire-swept gun positions. By his calm, determined bravery, Captain Merendino saved lives of many of his men in spite of the great peril to himself. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.