Merton B. Myers (1912-1943) was a United States Navy sailor killed in action during World War II who received a posthumous Silver Star for his actions. Biography Merton Bernell Myers was born at Long Island City in Queens, New York, on January 15, 1912. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 23, 1939 at Indianapolis, Indiana. As a first class, Myers was serving in the destroyer in the South Atlantic Ocean when on March 10, 1943 Eberle intercepted the German blockade runner . Myers volunteered for the boarding party which valiantly tried to save Karin from demolition charges set by her crew. All efforts were to no avail; after helping his shipmates to escape the sinking death trap, Myers was killed in a violent explosion. Awards For his gallant sacrifice in the boarding of Karin, Myers was awarded the Silver Star posthumously. Namesake The U.S. Navy destroyer escort USS Myers (DE-595) was named for Machinist Mate First Class Myers. She was converted during construction into the high-speed transport , and was in commission as such from 1945 to 1947.
|