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 Manley J. Merrill (ASN: 42029432), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 307th Airborne Medical Company, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 30 April 1945, near ****, Germany. Private First Class Merrill, supporting the 1st Battalion of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, ferried his jeep to the far shore of the Elbe River through heavy enemy small arms and artillery fire in order to evacuate casualties from an aid station on the bridgehead. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he drove his vehicle through heavy artillery fire over dangerous roads toward the aid station. A few hundred yards from the shore, Private First Class Merrill’s jeep struck a buried land mine which exploded, destroying the vehicle and killing him instantly. His courageous and exemplary action and complete devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Medical Department and Airborne Forces of the United States Army.