The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Medical Corps) Merrill F. Wymer, Jr. (ASN: 0-5241669), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 2d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Captain Wymer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 21 August 1967 while serving as surgeon of an infantry battalion on a search and destroy mission in the Soui Ca Valley. Notified that wounded members of his battalion were in critical need of medical assistance, Captain Wymer immediately secured a helicopter and flew to the battle site. He landed in total darkness with fighting raging all around him and dashed to the front to treat the wounded who were pinned down close to enemy bunkers. He constantly exposed himself to ravaging Viet Cong firepower, disregarding his own safety to treat his seriously wounded comrades. With bullets constantly striking all around him, he moved from man to man administering aid and moving the men to more secure positions. For more than five hours he repeatedly refused to take cover although enemy fire constantly raked his positions as he moved across the bullet-swept terrain in front of friendly positions. He repeatedly and skillfully administered treatment in the darkness while the insurgents sought to stop his gallant efforts. His fearless actions in the face of grave danger were responsible for saving twelve lives and greatly inspired the friendly ground forces to fight on through the night to defeat the determined enemy. Captain Wymer’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.