Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    59th Coast Artillery Regiment

    Action Date:

    May 6, 1942

    War Department, General Orders No. 125 (October 24, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Kirk Miller (ASN: 6812994), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment, in action against the enemy at Fort Drum, El Fraile Island, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942. A large barge loaded with filled gasoline drums was tied to Fort Drum, adjacent to powder magazines, when hostile artillery began firing. A hit would certainly have fired the gasoline, which in turn would almost surely have ignited the powder magazines. Sergeant Miller, realizing the imminent danger to the entire personnel of Fort Drum, secured a bolo and, despite the intense enemy fire, cut the mooring lines holding the barge, which permitted it to drift free of the fort. Technical Sergeant Miller’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.