The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Julian B. Mills (MCSN: 415117), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Cannoneer with Battery H, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 July 1944. Leading his section’s place during direct fire at the enemy who were attacking the battery position at a range of less than one-hundred yards, Private First Class Mills, although exposed to severe machine-gun and rifle fire, valiantly remained on post until ordered to withdraw just before the numerically superior Japanese forces overran the battery position. Contributing materially to the infliction of severe losses on the enemy in the small-arms fight which followed, Private First Class Mills aided effectively in disrupting their advance and in stopping the attack within the battalion area until he fell, mortally wounded. His dauntless courage in the face of extreme peril and his tenacious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.