Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: September 20, 1996
• Invested on: December 06, 1996

On June 21, 1994, Cpl Merriam, then Sapper, was involved in a mine clearing operation near Kakma, Croatia, when two anti-personnel mines suddenly detonated, seriously wounding three soldiers. Cpl Merriam quickly proceeded to clear a path to his injured colleagues using a mine detector, with no guarantee that it would detect all types of mines. Upon reaching the most seriously wounded soldier, he began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. He continued to provide first aid as the victims were evacuated from the minefield. The soldier that Cpl Merriam tried so hard to save ultimately died of his wounds.