The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Merrill Goyer (ASN: RA-16284316), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. On that date the command post of his battalion was under attack by a strong enemy force, and Sergeant Goyer was given the mission of securing one side of the command post area. Under intense enemy fire, he personally placed his men into the best firing positions, encouraging them to stand fast and checking their ammunition supply. When ammunition for his group was almost exhausted, he fearlessly crossed 75 yards of fire-swept terrain to a truck parked on the road. In addition to the required ammunition, he retrieved a light machine gun and brought it back to the defensive perimeter. Observing that the enemy’s main effort was concentrated in a courtyard outside a wall which enclosed the command post, he moved his weapon over the wall and commenced to deliver accurate and heavy fire upon the enemy. His fire caused great casualties to the enemy and forced them to withdraw in confusion and disorder. His heroic actions under fire were highly instrumental to the success of his unit in repelling the assault. The gallantry displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Goyer reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.