The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Merrill Craig Rannells (MCSN: 857270), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Squad Leader, serving with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 June 1945. Observing an extremely well camouflaged hostile position while leading his squad as the company point, Corporal Rannells instantly warned his men to take cover and, risking his life to advance within range of the enemy, hurled a hand grenade toward the emplacement at the same moment that a Japanese grenade was thrown at him. Although seriously wounded by the exploding missile, he succeeded in killing one enemy soldier and in wounding another and, steadfastly continuing to wage his one-man grenade attack, forced the remaining Japanese to expose themselves to our men who ultimately destroyed them. By his gallant initiative, steadfast determination and unfaltering devotion to duty, Corporal Rannells contributed materially to the success of the company’s advance, and his valiant conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.