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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Wheeler G. Merriam (ASN: 0-291585), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while Commanding the 82d Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Armored Division, in action against the enemy on 12 September 1944. On that date, Colonel Merriam directed an armored attack on enemy installations located at the far end of a destroyed bridge across a canal in Belgium. The enemy was firing anti-tank guns, mortars and machine guns into the column as it advanced. In order to better view the situation, Colonel Merriam fearlessly directed his driver t move to the head of the column. When his armored car was hit by enemy anti-tank fire and his driver wounded, Colonel Merriam and his crew dismounted, the driving falling in front of the still slowly-moving vehicle. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and heedless of the enemy machine gun fire, Colonel Merriam stopped the car, rendered first aid to the wounded man, and moved him to cover. The gallantry and courage of Colonel Merriam reflect much credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.