James A. Miller

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James A. Miller (35007213), Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 July 1943, at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Corporal Miller and 12 other men out-fought a 150-man Japanese raiding party. Corporal Miller was stationed as a guard near a supply dump on the beach. He had volunteered for the hazardous duty knowing that it might cost his life. He courageously waited until the enemy was almost upon him before firing a series of bursts at close range. The result was a virtual ambush of the hostile forces. Corporal Miller lost his life in a bitter hand-to-hand encounter when the Japanese were storming his position. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.