Lanson Davis Mills

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lanson Davis Mills, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with the FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester in the Bismarck Archipelago, during the period 26 December 1943 to 3 January 1944. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Mills unhesitatingly exposed himself to intense enemy rifle and machine-gun fire in order to render fist aid to those in his and adjacent units. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Mills undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.