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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert G. Merrick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 10th Field Artillery, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Courban, France, July 14 – 15, 1918. After the members of his telephone detail had been pressed into service as runners under a hostile bombardment so severe that telephone communication could not be maintained, Lieutenant Merrick volunteered to drive an ambulance. He made three trips under terrific shell fire to evacuate wounded from Greves Farm.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Regiment:

    10th Field Artillery Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 14 – 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Robert G. Merrick, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant Merrick was in command of the Regimental Telephone Detail on the night of 14 – 15 July 1918, at Courboin, when all telephone communication had been cut, and when it had been proven that to repair them, was only to have them cut again, this officer volunteered to drive an ambulance and assist in evacuating the wounded. His efforts were duly rewarded and he was responsible in getting many wounded soldiers back to a place of safety and medical attention. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]