Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (General Staff Corps) Raymond Davis Millener (ASN: 0-18140), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Operations Officer, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel Millener and his men were dropped 15 miles from the appointed drop zone. He assembled all the forces in the immediate vicinity and started toward the designated assembly area to join the main force. En route, the party encountered heavy enemy resistance. Despite the intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Millener repeatedly exposed himself in leading his men. Inspired by Lieutenant Colonel Millener’s personal bravery and leadership, his small force successfully assaulted two machine gun positions and destroyed two enemy tanks and two enemy half-track vehicles. The gallantry and superior leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Millener exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.