Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1945

    Headquarters, 11th Airborne Division, General Orders No. 171 (November 18, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant John J. Miller (ASN: 3358503), United States Army, for heroism at Camp Senimmelefennig (Formerly Sendai Army Arsenal) near Sendai, North Honshu, Japan, on 18 October 1945. Staff Sergeant Miller and a comrade were stinging telephone wire near the top of a pole carrying high voltage (33,000 volts) electric lines. Accidental contact with the high tension wires rendered Staff Sergeant Miller’s comrade unconscious, instantly killed two others, and enveloped the pole in flames. Without regard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Miller went to the rescue of his comrade who was still attached by climbing gear to the pole. Although shocked and burned himself, Staff Sergeant Miller did not abandon his precarious position until he had lowered his comrade. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Staff Sergeant Miller reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.