The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Berle Milam (MCSN: 499361), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, the night of 15 September 1944. When Japanese forces infiltrated our lines and reached the mortar section of his company, Private First Class Milam promptly manned his weapon and accounted for five hostile troops as they advanced on his position. Immediately thereafter, observing another member of his squad engaged in hand-to-hand combat with three Japanese soldiers, he courageously left the comparative safety of his foxhole and, braving intense hostile mortar and small-arms fire throughout the fierce engagement, assisted his comrade in killing the outnumbering enemy. Subsequently succumbing to wounds received during the bitter action, Private First Class Milam, by his daring initiative, great personal valor and heroic conduct was directly responsible for saving the life of another and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.