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 Sergeant Robert Leroy Miller (ASN: 17068190), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery B, 222d Anti-Aircraft (Search Light) Battalion, in action against the enemy at Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 18 June 1945. During military operations which culminated in the clearing of Japanese forces from Mindanao, Philippine Islands, friendly troops were advancing on an enemy-held objective when devastating fire emanating from a machine gun nest located on a hill dominating the approach halted the attack. Sergeant Miller volunteered to lead a squad in a diversionary action on the flank of the enemy position in order to facilitate the withdrawal of forces which were pinned to the ground by hostile resistance. He had maneuvered his squad to a position within 50 yards of the stronghold when the enemy opened fire with such intensity that further progress became impossible. Armed with only a carbine, Sergeant Miller, completely disregarding his own safety, crept through the brush and cogon grass to within 20 yards of the emplacement. Leaping to his feet in full view of the enemy, he charged the position, deliberately exposing himself to draw the enemy’s fire so that his squad could assault the objective. He was struck immediately and mortally wounded, but, still attempting to advance, he fell to the ground within a few yards of the stronghold. His heroic action distracted the enemy long enough for his squad to eliminate the machine gun nest, thus relieving hostile pressure and enabling a withdrawal to a more favorable location from which to resume the attack. Through his indomitable fighting spirit and unremitting determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Sergeant Miller made possible the successful completion of an important mission and his brilliant performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.