The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Merlin H. Schueller (NSN: 3225292), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 June 1951. Serving as a Medical Corpsman, Hospitalman Schueller was moving with the company in the attack of a strongly fortified enemy position when the unit was subjected to intense and accurate enemy automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire, causing numerous casualties, and he himself was seriously wounded in the leg and feet. Although he was unable to walk, he courageously crawled among his fallen comrades, skillfully rendering first aid. When the fighting had passed beyond that area, and all casualties had been evacuated, he then refused to be carried on a stretcher, because of a shortage, and instead hopped and crawled to the aid station over a tortuous route. His bravery and outstanding devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him. Hospitalman Schueller’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.