By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Medical Corps) John N. Merrick, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Major Merrick distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Supply Train, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Soissons, France, in voluntarily going through a shell swept area to a first aid station to help evacuate the wounded, on 18 – 19 July 1918.