The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Merle E. Marston (MCSN: 853290), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 May 1945. Observing that one of the men in his squad lay wounded in an open field covered by intense hostile rifle fire, Corporal Marston unhesitatingly dashed across the fire-swept field to the wounded man and, returning with him safely despite the hail of bullets, administered first aid. Seriously wounded later while leading his squad against the enemy, he steadfastly refused to be evacuated or accept medical treatment until the objective was secured. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.