The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Otis H. Merrill (ASN: ER-11039058), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. On that date Company I was attacked by the enemy. At about 1500 hours Private Merrill observed some movement in a ditch about 100 yards in front of his position. Immediately and without thought for his own safety, he moved forward using frontal fire to protect himself and investigated the movement. His accurate fire killed three of the enemy who were hiding in the ditch, forced the surrender of eight enemy soldiers and one officer and resulted in the capture of a machine gun. The gallantry and resolute courage demonstrated by Private Merrill reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.