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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William John Millican (NSN: 0-62082), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), during operations in the Sunda Strait in the SIXTH War Patrol of that vessel during the period 5 January to 10 March 1943. Taking advantage of every favorable opportunity to strike at the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Millican daringly maneuvered his ship into position and attacked, sinking two enemy transports totaling 19,000 tons, a tanker of 7,000 tons, and damaging a third transport of 12,000 tons. By his expert seamanship and courageous initiative, he evaded hostile countermeasures and brought his ship through without damage. His gallant conduct throughout this period was a continuation of his illustrious record and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Thresher (SS-200)

    Action Date:

    June 26, 1942 to January 10, 1943
    Commander Southern Pacific Forces: Serial 0140 (February 4, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William John Millican (NSN: 0-62082), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), on the FOURTH, FIFTH, and SIXTH War Patrols of that submarine during the period 26 June 1942 to 10 January 1943, in an area entirely controlled by enemy Japanese air and naval forces. Although opposed by heavy enemy forces, Lieutenant Commander Millican pressed home his attacks with vigor and skillful determination and succeeded in sinking 26,000 tons of enemy shipping by accurate gunfire, in probably sinking 11,000 tons and in damaging another 11,000 tons without substantial damage to materiel or injury to the personnel of his command. The courageous devotion to duty of Lieutenant Commander Millican and the men under his command and their tenacious fighting spirit enabled the THRESHER to evade the enemy’s vigorous countermeasures and complete an aggressive and successful mission.