Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Herbert T. Merrill (MCSN: 0-6021), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-221), Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO (MAG-22), Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his section in a dauntless and aggressive assault against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Captain Merrill aided in the disruption of enemy plans and lessened the effectiveness of their attack. His courageous determination, maintained at great personal risk against tremendous odds, contributed to the success of our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received