The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Clayton Louis Miller (NSN: 0-72439), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Patrol Plane Commander of Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VB-142) in the Central Pacific Area from 21 December 1943 to 21 April 1944. He established an outstanding squadron record in combat and operational efficiency. He employed his type aircraft to its full effectiveness, used excellent tactics and organizational skill, and pressed his attacks to close range to cause widespread damage to the enemy. Although primarily assigned to search and reconnaissance missions he utilized his aircraft on more than 325 bombing sorties against defended enemy bases. He personally sank one and damaged two enemy ships, and caused serious damage to installations ashore. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.