Howard W. Merkel

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Howard W. Merkel (0-403734), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 380th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force (Attached to RAAF), while participating in a bombing mission on 10 July 1943, against enemy targets at Babo, New Guinea. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Merkel on this occasion, a the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces.