Merle V. Anderson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Merle V. Anderson (18009423), Private First Class, Infantry, Company “B”, 168th Infantry Regiment. For gallantry in action on 20 April 1945, in Italy. When the assault platoon reached a point some 100 yards from a group of heavily fortified buildings, it was subjected to strong rifle and automatic weapons fire. One squad on the right flank became pinned down by the heavy fire. Pfc Anderson and two comrades, acting as a team, and armed with a Browning Automatic Rifle, a Thompson sub-machine gun, and an M-1 rifle, left their positions of cover and charged the strong-points. So sudden and aggressive was their action, and so heavy was the firepower laid down by the three men, that the enemy were driven from their firing positions and forced to cover. This action enabled the remained of the platoon to advance, taking twenty-five prisoners and capturing a vast store of ammunition. Pfc Anderson’s courage and aggressiveness was outstanding and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.