MERRIT M. SAVAGE, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 19 February 1945. Assuming command of an assault platoon, Sergeant Savage ably directed the fire of mortars and 37-mm. guns to destroy a large enemy mortar position and several pillboxes and blockhouses. Personally executing a frontal attack on two more hostile pillboxes, he destroyed them with hand grenades and a pistol and killed seven of the Japanese, thereby enabling his company to reach its objective. His outstanding courage and gallant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Savage and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Savage joined the Legion of Valor in 1964 and resided in Arizona.