The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Merle R. Meeker, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 10 June and during the early morning hours of 11 June 1953, elements of the 15th Infantry Regiment had the mission of defending a strategically valuable friendly held outpost in the vicinity of Samoul-Ni, Korea, when a numerically superior hostile force attacked. As the battle progressed, it became evident that the men on the outpost were in need of reinforcements. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lieutenant Meeker, 3d Battalion Adjutant, volunteered to organize and lead a counterattack force. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved forward through the barrage of mortar and artillery fire, rallying his men to follow. Although wounded in the initial action, he continued on his mission with firm determination. When he reached the summit of the hill, he again braved the enemy enfilade to take command of the situation. Shouting orders, supplying ammunition and helping with the wounded, his intrepid actions were a source of inspiration to those about him and were highly instrumental in the successful defense of the outpost. Lieutenant Meeker’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.