The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles A. Merrill (MCSN: 0-48892), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 September 1950. Assigned the mission of withdrawing his platoon from its exposed position because of intense hostile small arms and machine gun fire from well-concealed enemy positions, First Lieutenant Merrill observed five members of his unit, two of whom were wounded, in an area forward of the platoon and unable to move because of the heavy fire. After attempting flanking movements by a volunteer rescue party were halted because of extremely heavy hostile machine gun fire, First Lieutenant Merrill moved forward alone through intense enemy fire and, by throwing smoke grenades, succeeded in effecting the rescue of the five men. His outstanding courage, daring initiative and aggressive leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.