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 Stanley O. Merrill, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Platoon, Company E, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Chura-dong, Korea, on 18 and 19 September 1952. The 3d Platoon, mounted on tanks, moved forward to join the 2d Platoon in a coordinated attack on “Old Baldy.” Arriving within 250 yards of the objective, the troops learned that the 2d Platoon had been ambushed and suffered numerous casualties. The platoon dismounted and medical aid was summoned. Fully aware of the odds against him, Sergeant Merrill advanced along the open ground through heavy artillery, mortar, and small-arms fire to provide security for the wounded. Firing his rifle and throwing grenades with deadly accuracy, he silenced six hostile machine guns and, although knocked to the ground several times by enemy mortar blasts, maintained his position until all casualties were removed. Despite rapidly increasing mortar fire, he voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal of friendly forces. Finally falling back, he found a wounded man and carried him approximately 300 yards down the fire-swept road to safety. Sergeant Merrill’s courageous actions, tenacity and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.