Charles L. Mills

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Charles L. Mills (0-9739), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company C, Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Amphibious Corps, during the invasion of enemy Japanese-held Guam, Marianas Islands, on 21 July 1944. Successful in leading his company of tractors ashore with assault troops three times across a difficult reef and through hostile mortar and artillery fire in the initial landing, Captain Mills learned that one of his tractors with the crew and vital ammunition was disabled and under heavy fire on the edge of the reef. Realizing the critical shortage of mortar ammunition ashore, he unhesitatingly ordered his tractor into the heavy fire of the enemy and, when alongside the stranded vehicle, transferred the crew and ammunition to his own tractor and then made a safe return across the dangerous reef in spite of intense opposition. Upon reaching the beach, however, the tractor exploded an aerial bomb-mine which gravely wounded Captain Mills, threw him out onto the sand and killed his crew. Courageously disregarding his own extreme condition, he continued to direct the unloading of ammunition from the wreckage as two corpsmen administered first aid and blood plasma and, after informing his battalion commander of the situation, was being moved to a safer area when Japanese mortar fire instantly killed him and his two attendants. His outstanding valor and fortitude were an inspiration to the men under his command and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 004440 (January 23, 1945)