The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Kenneth Wayne Merrill (ASN: RA-11227630), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 21 May and during the early morning hours of 22 May 1953, a raiding party of Company B had the mission of engaging and destroying the enemy in the vicinity of Pung-Myon, Korea. As the elements were advancing toward enemy-held territory, they were suddenly attacked by a numerically superior hostile force. Private Merrill, an automatic rifleman, accurately firing his weapon, successfully stemmed the attacking forces until the men of his squad maneuvered into position. Observing that three of his wounded comrades lay exposed to the enemy, he proceeded to give them cover fire and assist them to a position of safety. During the battle, when his weapon was rendered inoperative, he located an enemy burp gun and continued to fire into the attacking enemy ranks until his ammunition was expended. He then exposed himself to enemy fire to secure and distribute ammunition to his comrades. Private Merrill’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.