Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Unit:

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Frank J. Miller (MCSN: 0-39787), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while attached to Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 20 to 22 September 1944. Assuming command of a rifle platoon when its leader and sergeant were struck down by bursts of enemy fire, Second Lieutenant Miller skillfully reorganized the demoralized platoon and, despite painful wounds from hostile shell fragments, courageously proceeded from group to group in the face of relentless enemy gunfire to select favorable positions for each element, continuing in his gallant efforts until a solid line was reestablished and the attack resumed. Boldly exposing himself to enemy fire on the following day, he personally selected suitable targets and directed tank fire against strongly-defended enemy caves barring our advance in this area. Working untiringly until subsequently struck down by enemy fire and evacuated to the rear, Second Lieutenant Miller contributed materially to the destruction of hostile installations and to the seizure of a strategic ridge commanding the area. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 7396.