Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Merle
Franklin
Henderson
KIA (WWII)
1910-11-11

–

1944-10-09

Born:

, 

Pennsylvania

Home:

Derry

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Saegertown

, 

Pennsylvania

Cemetery:

Saegertown Cemetery

On November 6, 1943, Merle Henderson was a civilian working for the TNT plant at Geneva when four members of his household burned to death when fire destroyed their cottage home along French creek. They were Henderson’s wife and small son, a daughter by his wife’s former marriage and his own grandson. Henderson joined the army the following January, and was deployed to Europe with the 1st Infantry Division, where he was himself killed in action nearly 11 months after the loss of his family.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 9 (January 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Merle Franklin Henderson (ASN: 33711418), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 9 October 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.