Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Awarded on:

November 1943

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. As a Task Force Commander during an engagement with Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on the night of 5 - 6 March 1943, Admiral Merrill directed the intercepting and sinking of two enemy warships and the subsequent bombardment of installations on Kolombangara Island. His task force withstood heavy opposition and came through unscathed."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 320

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

Commanding officer, Task Force 39 (TF-39), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

June 1944

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force THIRTY-NINE (TF-39), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces at Empress Augusta Bay, off Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on the night of 1 - 2 November 1943. Employing daring tactics with gunfire and torpedoes, Rear Admiral Merrill disposed his ships with such skill that the ensuing battle resulted in the destruction of five hostile warships, including one cruiser and four destroyers. During the retirement from this action, his forces repulsed an air attack by 67 Japanese planes, shooting down 17 of them. Rear Admiral Merrill's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Awarded on:

June 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a task group in the South Pacific on 24 June 1943."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 339 (Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rear Admiral

Unit:

Commanding officer, Cruiser Division 12, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

February 1947

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Task Force Commander and concurrently, as Commander Cruiser Division TWELVE during operations against the Japanese in the Solomons area, from April 1943 to March 1944. Rear Admiral Merrill inculcated in the officers and men under his command his own fighting spirit and maintained the ships of his task force at the peak of combat readiness during this period of intense action. Conducting assigned operations with superb tactical skill, he patrolled the Solomons area in search of enemy ships and skillfully coordinated the functions of the various units under his direction. He delivered an effective night bombardment against the enemy airfield at Munda on 12 July, rendering decisive support toward the capture of that important enemy base; and executed a similar attack against the Buka-Bonis area the night of 12 December."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 360