The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Hugh Barr Miller, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. STRONG (DD-467), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kula Gulf on 4 – 5 July 1943. Thrown into the water following the sinking of his vessel, Lieutenant Miller extricated two comrades who were entangled in a line on the ship’s side and held them above water until he could place them in a net. He took charge of a group of survivors who finally reached a small island. Unwilling to allow his weakened condition to retard their progress, he ordered them ahead and remained behind to wage a lone battle against enemy units. Menaced constantly by hostile scouting companies, he maintained himself for 39 days until rescued by a friendly airplane. The conduct of Lieutenant Miller throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.