The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frederick E. Merrall (MCSN: 565377), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 March 1951. When the platoon’s attack was delayed by vicious flanking fire from enemy automatic weapons, Corporal Merrall led his fire team in a bayonet charge up the steep slope of a heavily fortified ridge line. Despite the intense enemy fire, he directed his men in the neutralization of key enemy bunkers, thereby allowing his company to advance and secure the entire ridge line against the commanding fire of a numerically superior entrenched enemy force. By his outstanding courage, coolness under fire and aggressive fighting spirit, Corporal Merrall served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the success achieved by the company, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.