Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 19, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 13017 (May 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class James W. Miller (MCSN: 376741), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 19 June 1944. Painfully wounded while approaching the beach in his amphibian tractor, Private First Class Miller steadfastly refused medical attention and, facing the enemy’s intense shellfire, carried his machine-gun tripod and ammunition 200 yards inland and assisted in putting the weapon into action. Still refusing to seek first aid, he remained steadfast at his position, delivering accurate, determined gunfire against the Japanese until fatally struck down by a bursting hostile shell. By his daring initiative, valiant fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty against tremendous odds, Private First Class Miller contributed materially to the success of our operations against this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.