The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Merrill H. Lyon (ASN: 0-1324105), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action at ****, France, on 23 November 1944. During an attack on enemy-held positions, Lieutenant Lyon maneuvered his men through intense enemy fire to attain their objective, after which he reorganized part of another unit which had been pinned down and led it to a new position from which it repulsed an enemy armored attack. Lieutenant Lyon’s leadership, initiative and devotion to duty denote him an asset to the military service.