The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Ralph B. Merrick (ASN: 0-391391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in the European Theater of Operations. On 5 July 1944, Captain Merrick led his company in an assault which overran a town and netted 40 prisoners. The town was soon counterattacked from three sides while the fourth side was cut off by mortar fire. Although twice wounded, Captain Merrick, with utter disregard for his wounds or personal safety, directed the withdrawal from the exposed position and succeeded in extricating his company, his wounded and the prisoners from the precarious position. The gallantry and fortitude of Captain Merrick clearly upheld the highest traditions of military service.