The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Merlin T. Matthews (MCSN: 0-30437), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 and 8 March 1951. Leading his company during an attack against a heavily fortified enemy hill position when his unit was subjected to withering automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire from well-concealed log and earth bunkers, First Lieutenant Matthews constantly moved with the assault elements in the face of the heavy fire, directing the attack and encouraging his men. Resuming the attack on the following morning, he again was at the forefront and continually braved devastating hostile fire to direct an air strike on the enemy emplacements. Although painfully wounded by enemy fire, he refused to seek medical aid, aggressively leading his company forward in the final assault and completely routing the entrenched enemy. Subsequently evacuated after he directed his men in securing the vital ground, First Lieutenant Matthews, by his inspiring leadership, courageous initiative and heroic devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.