Merton A. Richal

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]

Merton A. Richal
BornDallas, Wisconsin
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
RankMajor
Battles/warsBanana Wars
AwardsNavy Cross

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. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-06-30.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  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. "Navy Cross Awards during the 2nd Nicaraguan Campaign". Homeofheroes.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2018.


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