Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Richard Charles Merrick (NSN: 0-77551), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commander, Carrier Air Group NINETEEN (CAG-19), attached to the U.S.S. Princeton (CV-37), and as a Strike Leader during operations against enemy North Korean and Chinese Communist forces in direct support of United Nations forces in Korea, in May 1951. On two separate occasions, displaying extraordinary qualities of leadership and personal heroism, Commander Merrick participated in and led such aggressive attacks against the enemy and enemy installations that the resultant damage imposed a visible setback to the Pukhan River as scheduled, and of relieving an extremely hard-pressed and threatened unit of our own forces. His bravery in the face of intense enemy fire were characteristic of this outstanding officer whose conduct and performance were at all times an example of the spirit which fosters the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received