The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the Commanding General, III Amphibious Corps, during the landing, seizure, and occupation of Guam during the period 21 July 1944 to 10 August 1944. Prior thereto, he actively and efficiently participated in preparing the plans for the capture of the Island, and skillfully and effectively coordinated all general and special staff details connected therewith. During the seizure of Guam, he demonstrated marked ability in solving many complex problems which arose and rendered timely and effective advice to the Corps Commander. Without regard to his personal safety, he made numerous trips to front line positions to secure necessary information and to give assistance and advice to organization commanders. During the entire period he exhibited exceptional professional ability, initiative, perseverance, and excellent judgment. His outstanding service and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
October 4, 1918
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Silverthorn carried an important message to his battalion commander and returned with instructions at a critical time through heavy machine-gun and shell fire.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
August 13, 1944 – June 30, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the III Amphibious Corps from 13 August 1944 to 30 June 1945, during which time he participated in operations against the enemy in the southern Palau Islands and in the Ryukyu Islands. During this period of service, Brigadier General Silverthorn, by his exceptional ability and untiring efforts, proved to be of invaluable aid to the Commanding General in the preparation for, and conduct of, these operations. In the operations in the southern Palaus, which consisted of the simultaneous assault and capture of two islands, he, by his comprehensive knowledge of tactics, logistics and joint action and his far-sighted decisions, was of immeasurable assistance to the Commanding General in solving the many logistic and tactical problems, and in correlating the activities of the Army, Navy and Marine forces involved in the operation. On Okinawa, when the Amphibious Corps, of which he was Chief of Staff, operated as a part of the United States TENTH Army, he, by his unswerving determination, outstanding leadership and exceptional capacity for organization, coordination and execution of staff functions and activities, greatly contributed to the success of the operation. At great risk to his personal safety, he repeatedly visited the front line positions in order to obtain information so vital for the complete understanding of the tactical situation, and his outstanding initiative and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who served under him. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
June 6 – July 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) First Lieutenant Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Silverthorn distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June to 10 July 1918.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
October 1 – 10, 1918
Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesBy direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) First Lieutenant Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a SECOND Silver Star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Silverthorn distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 – 10 October 1918. (SECOND Citation)
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Second LieutenantRegiment:
Fifth Regiment (Marines)Division:
2d Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
October 4, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 35 (1919)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant Merwin Hancock Silverthorn (MCSN: 0-895), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Silverthorn carried an important message to his battalion commander and returned with instructions at a critical time through heavy machine-gun and shell fire.