Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Master Sergeant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Tank Battalion, HQ, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

November 26th, 1947

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Platoon Sergeant James D. Miller (MCSN: 290675), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Tank Platoon Leader of Company A, First Tank Battalion, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. Sighting a large formation of enemy tanks rapidly approaching our forces, Platoon Sergeant Miller immediately maneuvered his tank into the hostile formation and engaged them in action. Then, courageously exposing himself to intense enemy mortar, artillery and small-arms fire to deliver more accurate fire orders to his crew from the turret of his tank, he contributed in large measure to the destruction of seven Japanese tanks before they were able to penetrate our lines and, although wounded by hostile fire, continued in his gallant efforts until all enemy tanks were destroyed. By his initiative, courage and gallant devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation, Platoon Sergeant Miller upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8584 (26 November 1947).