The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Willie H. Miles, Jr. (MCSN: 295843), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on 22 November 1943. With his mortar squad’s supply of ammunition exhausted during a fierce engagement with the enemy, Corporal Miles voluntarily risked his life in an attempt to recover an abandoned clover-leaf of 60-mm. mortar ammunition from an area forward of our front lines. Determined to complete his perilous mission, he unhesitatingly proceeded through the enemy’s concentrated shellfire, recovered the vital explosives and successfully returned to his unit. By his daring initiative, dauntless perseverance and cool courage in the face of grave danger, Corporal Miles enabled his platoon to continue their effective fire against the enemy and contributed to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold. His zealous devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.