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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Miller Milner (NSN: 0-73586/1310), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Navy Fighter Plane of Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), embarked from the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action on 3 October 1942, while deployed over Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Sighting enemy surface craft about 190 miles from his base, Lieutenant Commander Milner, although attacked immediately by a fighter escort of at least ten enemy planes and subjected to a murderous crossfire, skillfully and daringly piloted his ship into low-hanging clouds. In spite of overwhelming odds, he noted the enemy’s position, making an accurate contact report of its location and other pertinent data. His great personal valor and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Scouting Squadron 3 (VS-3)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Robert Miller Milner (NSN: 0-73586/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a Scout Bomber in action against enemy Japanese forces during the raid upon and occupation of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. With courageous initiative and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Commander Milner sought out and destroyed assigned hostile anti-aircraft positions by vigorous bombing and strafing attacks which resulted in severe loss of life and equipment to the Japanese. By his effective aid in compelling the enemy to retire, he helped make it possible for our forces to occupy the area without opposition. His grim determination and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.