Jim D. Miller’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

Jim Dick Miller

Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Upon Turret III of the U.S.S. ARIZONA becoming untenable due to gas from a bomb hit on the quarterdeck penetrating several decks and starting a fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Miller ordered his turret crew out to fight fires. Almost immediately, a tremendous explosion forward made the ship appear to rise out of the water, shudder and settle rapidly down by the bow. The whole forward part of the ship was enveloped in flames spreading rapidly; wounded and burned men poured onto the quarterdeck. Despite these conditions plus severe enemy bombing and strafing, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Miller assisted in directing firefighting to check them while wounded and burned could be taken from the ship. He supervised their rescue in such an amazingly clam, cool manner and with such excellent judgment, it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in saving many lives. After the abandon ship order he remained on the quarterdeck assisting in directing abandon ship and rescue of personnel, until satisfied that all personnel who could be, had been saved, after which he left his ship with the last boatload. Furthermore, after leaving his ship, on his own initiative he engineered a motor launch that proceeded to the quays and picked up personnel seeking protection from the severe fires, and rescued many men from the water. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Miller throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.