The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major James E. Mills (MCSN: 0-5385), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 21 to 23 November 1943. Bravely facing the enemy’s shattering machine-gun, anti-boat gun and sniper fire, Major Mills skillfully supervised the landing operations of his Battalion and immediately directed the deployment of his men for sustained operations against a fanatic enemy. Despite the extreme danger from incessant hostile sniper fire, he fearlessly reconnoitered adjoining areas to seek possible gun positions and, during operations of his Battalion against the Japanese, was present at the Fire Direction Center to furnish relief for the Operations Officer throughout the entire bitter engagement. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, his daring aggressiveness and steadfast devotion to duty, Major Mills contributed materially to the success of our forces against this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.