Richard D. Mills

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Richard D. Mills, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 395th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 18 December 1944, in Germany. When the enemy launched a furious attack against his unit’s positions and penetrated the main line of resistance, Private First Class Mills opened fire with his automatic rifle, killing many of the enemy and wounding others. Time and again he turned back their repeated fanatic attempts to pass his position. On the final attack, Private First Class Mills’ weapon jammed. With utter disregard for his personal safety, he left his foxhole, and standing in the open, hurled grenades, dispersing the hostile attack. By his superb personal courage and unhesitating action, Private First Class Mills contributed materially to the stemming of the German drive and the protection of his battalion’s communication lines. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 99th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.