The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Neil B. Mills (MCSN: 0-45329), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 April 1951. When a numerically superior enemy force subjected the company to a series of vicious attacks during the hours of darkness, First Lieutenant Mills positioned himself on the flank under heaviest assault and, shouting words of encouragement to his men in the face of devastating hostile mortar, automatic weapons, hand grenade and small arms fire, directed the group in delivering effective counterfire on the enemy. Upon receiving word that the hostile force had penetrated the position of an adjacent friendly unit, he reorganized his platoon to meet the new threat and, despite the intense hostile fire from the exposed flank and the ensuing confusion, courageously rallied his men, personally killing five of the enemy and wounding three others at close quarters, thereby greatly aiding in forcing the hostile force to withdraw. By his outstanding leadership, valiant fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Mills contributed materially to the successful defense of the strategic ground and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.