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) Samuel J. Merrill (ASN: 0-2204100), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 20 August 1950, near Sinji, Korea, when his 81-mm. mortar platoon was receiving heavy counter fire from enemy mortars, communication with the fire direction center were disrupted. Leaving his position of relative safety, Lieutenant Merrill rushed through the falling mortar shells to the Fire Direction Center, and though gravely wounded in the head, supervised restoration of the lines. Only after he had assured himself that his guns were again in full operation and that communications were adequate, did he consent to be evacuated. Lieutenant Merrill’s valorous devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.