Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Marines

    Division:

    4th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert F. Miller (MCSN: 550373), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Intelligence Scout, serving with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on D-Day, 19 February 1945. Shortly after the initial landing at Iwo Jima, when ordered by his wounded Company Commander to overtake and deliver an extremely important message to an officer one hundred yards ahead, Private First Class Miller ran through the fire-swept area and, standing erect on the edge of a shell hole exposed to enemy fire to relocate the officer’s position, successfully concluded the mission. Observing a covered Japanese machine-gun position which continually menaced our operations in this area, he stood in full view of the enemy and emptied his rifle into the emplacement, thereby silencing the machine gun. In order to gain vital intelligence information, he fearlessly braved hostile fire to obtain the identification insignia from the three Japanese bodies. Again totally disregarding his personal safety, Private First Class Miller climbed upon a tank whose turret was heaped with debris and quickly removed the ruins, thereby activating the tank. By his bold initiative, daring and courage, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.