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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Wentworth Merrill (ASN: 0-19500), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in France, in June 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Merrill’s battalion command post group was attacked from the flank by a force of approximately thirty Germans. He courageously led his smaller group against the German force, killing approximately fourteen of them and capturing the rest. The gallant combat leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Merrill was an inspiration to the officers and men under him. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Merrill, 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.