The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Martin O. Merrill (ASN: 37536999), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 11 November 1944 in the vicinity of Fort Koenigamacher, France. During an attack on high ground near the Fort, Private First Class Merrill, Automatic Rifleman, and two companions were kit by enemy light machine gun fire. Rendered unconscious and wounded seriously, Private First Class Merrill regained consciousness as the enemy machine gun crew was searching his two comrades. He recovered his weapon and placed such effective fire upon the crew that several of them were killed and the rest were forced to make a disorderly retreat. His gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.