MERRILL, AARON STANTON
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aaron Stanton Merrill, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, 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.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 327 (June 1944)
Born: March 26, 1890 at Natchez, Mississippi
Home Town: Washington, D.C.
