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 Captain (Air Corps) Robert Elmer Miller (ASN: 0-442974), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. Captain Miller was piloting the lead B-24 of his squadron when the reserve tank fuel pumps of his plane failed to function. Captain Miller elected to continue to lead his squadron on its mission, although doing so jeopardized his chances of safe return. Leading his formation through intense anti-aircraft fire and the flames of burning oil tanks, he guided the aircraft directly over the target. After releasing its bombs, the plane was attacked more than 20 times by enemy fighters which put one engine out of action and damaged the remaining three. In spite of the crippled condition of his bomber, Captain Miller successfully brought his ship back to a friendly base. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Miller on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.