The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander John Frederick Miller, Jr. (NSN: 0-82571), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRICHETT (DD-561) on Radar Picket duty during the Capture of Okinawa Gunto from 20 May 1945 to 21 June 1945. During the entire period of action he led his ship with such courage, skill in combat and determination, that she was able to perform the vital and hazardous duty of Fighter-Director ship on Radar Picket station for a total of nineteen days during which period three enemy planes were destroyed by her combat air patrol and two destroyed and others damaged by her gunfire without casualty to herself or crew. His devotion to duty was an inspiration to his officers and men enabling them to continue their superb performance of duty throughout the long action. His ship in giving timely warning of incoming enemy air attacks and in destroying by combat air patrol or gunfire many of the enemy planes, contributed greatly to the successful outcome of the conquest of Okinawa Gunto.