The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal James A. Miller (ASN: 35007213), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 July 1943, at Zanna Beach, New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Corporal Miller and 12 other men outfought and repelled a 150-man Japanese raiding party at Zanna Beach, New Georgia. The attack came late at night and the machine gun that Corporal Miller voluntarily manned was exposed to the bright moonlight. He waited until the enemy was almost upon him before firing a series of bursts at close range. The result was a virtual ambush of hostile forces. Six Japanese, one officer included, were found dead within five feet of his gun, and many other enemy dead were strewn along the path of his destructive fire. The raiders were so taken back by the unyielding resistance of the small defending force that the assault was broken up and completely repulsed. Corporal Miller lost his life later in a bitter hand-to-hand encounter when the Japs were storming his position. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.