Merton A. Richal

Merton A. Richal
Born Dallas, Wisconsin
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Rank Major
Battles/wars

Banana Wars

Awards Navy Cross

Merton A. Richal (July 1, 1894 – August 17, 1970) was a major in the United States Marine Corps. He held the rank of lieutenant during the occupation of Nicaragua.[1] He is best known for receiving the Navy Cross for bravery in the Second Battle of Las Cruces on January 1, 1928,[2] continuing to lead his men despite having one eye shot out.[3][4]

The Navy Cross is presented to Merton A,. Richal [sic], First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism, coolness, and excellent judgment in the performance of duty in command of a Marine patrol in an engagement at Las Cruces, Nicaragua, on 1 January 1928. When attacked on this occasion by a vastly superior force, Lieutenant Richal rushed to the advance guard position through a devastating fire, and although shot through the eye in the early stages of the fighting made a heroic effort to direct the fire and action of his command until forcefully taken to the rear where he collapsed.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Fredriksen, John C. 2011. The United States Marine Corps: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, p. 95.
  2. ↑ http://www.centerhouse.org/nc-banana.html#item3
  3. ↑ "Badger Boy Hero". Manitowoc Herald-Times. January 10, 1928. p. 1. Retrieved October 23, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ "10 Men Quit Nicaraguan Army, Sought". The Bee. January 10, 1928. p. 1. Retrieved October 24, 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ↑ http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_NX/citations/02_interim-nc/nc_04interim_2nicaragua.html


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