William J. Millican

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to William J. Millican, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), during operations in the Sunda Strait in the SIXTH War Patrol of that vessel during the period 5 January to 10 March 1943. As commanding officer of a submarine in dangerous enemy waters, Lieutenant Commander Millican took advantage of every opportunity to strike at the enemy and sank an important amount of Japanese shipping. Through his experience and sound judgment he brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321 (December 1943)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William J. Millican, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. THRESHER (SS-200), on the FOURTH, FIFTH, and SIXTH War Patrols of that submarine during the period 26 June 1942 to 10 January 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Millican brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.