The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ralph Mills (MCSN: 415118), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Cannoneer of Battery H, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. While his battery position was being attacked by the enemy at a range of less than one hundred yards, Corporal Mills assisted in laying his section’s artillery piece for deflection and, although subjected to enemy machine-gun and rifle fire during this time, remained at his post until the battery position was overrun by superior enemy forces. By his courage, indomitable fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Corporal Mills contributed materially to the infliction of severe casualties upon the attacking Japanese forces and the eventual repulse of the attack in the battalion area, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.