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 William Merritt (ASN: RA-13335648), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 9 March 1951 in the vicinity of Norumbau, Korea. While Company G was assaulting enemy positions, one of its platoons was pinned down by intense fire from a hostile machine gun emplacement. Private Merritt, a squad leader, immediately advanced to a point where he could observe the enemy weapon and, returning to the squad led it in an attack. Shouting encouragement to his men, he advanced fearlessly upon the machine gun position, firing his rifle and hurling hand grenades as he dashed forward. Under his intrepid leadership the squad closed on the position, destroying the emplacement and capturing four prisoners. In the last phases of his charge Private Merritt was struck by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private Merritt reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.