The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Merle L. Davis (MCSN: 1132825), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 April 1951. When the unit was subjected to intense and accurate hostile automatic-weapons and small-arms fire which caused numerous casualties during an assault against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Private First Class Davis, despite the pain from severe leg wounds sustained during the attack, fearlessly charged forward through the heavy fire. Inspiring his comrades to follow him in a vicious assault on the hostile position, he greatly aided in routing the entrenched enemy and contributed materially to the success achieved by the company. By his outstanding and courageous leadership, exceptional fortitude and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile fire, Private First Class Davis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.