The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Melvin C. Miller (ASN: 32662546), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. Realizing that they must direct enemy fire to themselves so that a pinned down squad and platoon could advance, Staff Sergeant Miller led two other men in pouring such deadly fire on the enemy that they were forced to switch their fire. Staff Sergeant Miller continued his furious firing against the vastly superior enemy fire until a tank came up two hours later to support him. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Miller, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.