Frank "V." Merchant

Boot camp at MCRD San Diego with Second Recruit Battalion. Outposted to Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA, on 30 January 1943. Duty at Whidbey Island through at least August 1943; transferred to Navy Yard Puget Sound.

Joined Charlie Company, First Battalion, 24th Marines at Camp Pendleton on 5 September 1943.

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 653 (Squad/Team Leader)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: Corporal
MOS: 653 (Squad/Team Leader)
Important Events:
June 17, 1944 – wounded in action (shrapnel, both arms, serious); exact circumstances unknown. Evacuated to USS Callaway.
June 24, 1944 – transferred to USS Samaritan for treatment

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: C/1/24th Marines
Rank: Sergeant
MOS: 737 (Rifle NCO) – platoon guide
Important Events: 
March 3, 1945 – killed in action (shrapnel wound, head) while going to aid wounded platoon leader 2Lt. Jack C. Manning. Awarded Bronze Star Medal for actions on this date:

For heroic achievement while serving as a squad leader in a platoon of Company C, First Battalion, 24th Marines, Fourth Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 3 March 1945. Boldly assaulting a strategic Japanese pillbox which was impeding his company’s advance, Sergeant Merchant led his squad against the emplacement to destroy it and annihilate eight of the enemy. Although fatally wounded while going to the aid of his platoon leader who was lying wounded and helpless in an area exposed to intense hostile fire, he courageously pressed on, dragging the wounded Marine through the enemy barrage to the comparative safety of a shell hole. His aggressive initiative and self-sacrificing spirit reflect the highest credit upon Sergeant Merchand and the United States Naval Service. He gave his life for his country.

March 10, 1945 – buried Plot 1, Row 27, Grave 1309, Fourth Marine Division Cemetery

Campaign Narrative