The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Merlin W. Frasier (MCSN: 294894), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Tank Driver serving with the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Borgen Bay Area, Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 6 January 1944. Observing a tank of his platoon bogged down while pressing forward in support of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, Corporal Frasier quickly descended from his tank and, while exposed to heavy enemy fire, attached a towing cable to the disabled vehicle and pulled it to higher ground. Subsequently emerging from his tank, in the face of devastating Japanese fire, he fearlessly removed the cable and secured it to his own machine before proceeding with the advance. By his outstanding initiative, daring aggressiveness and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Frasier saved a valuable tank from probable destruction and enabled his platoon to provide effective cover for our attacking forces. His prompt and efficient action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.