Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Bombing Squadron 102
Silver Star Recipient
MERLE LAWRENCE

U.S. Navy Silver Star

For his heroic action while serving with Bombing Squadron 102,
Lieutenant MERLE LAWRENCE was awarded the
Silver Star Medal

Lieutenant Merle Lawrence

Citation

"For conspicuous gallantry in action as co-pilot of a heavy bomber in an attack on enemy shipping off the Green Islands on 26 October 1943. In the face of enemy fire, and in spite of the fact that he had been wounded in the neck, Lieutenant (then LTJG) Lawrence stayed at his post giving invaluable assistance to the pilot in plane handling, fire direction, and damage assessment. His superb airmanship, indomitable courage in the face of enemy fire, his skill and determination were large factors in the resulting destruction of an enemy cargo ship and the beaching in flames of a second and were at all times in keeping with the highest tradition of the U. S. Naval service."

Note: The Silver Star stands as the United States' third highest award for combat valor. Established on July 16, 1932, the Silver Star actually traces its history back to the Silver Citation Star, established on July 9, 1918. The Citation Star was a silver star device which was attached to the service ribbon of the campaign medal for which the individual was cited in Official Orders for Gallantry in Action.

Most Citation Stars are found on World War I Victory Medals. To convert their Citation Stars to Silver Star medals, service members were required to present copies of the official orders which made them eligible for the Citation Star.

While the degree of heroism required to earn the Silver Star is less than that required for the Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Medal, it must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.