Jim Dick Miller
Captain, U. S. Navy
Navy Cross and Silver Star
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Jim Dick Miller (NSN: 0-82311), United States Navy, 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.
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Jim Dick Miller (NSN: 0-82311), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer the U.S.S. SPEARFISH (SS-190), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese waters from 17 January 1944 to 29 February 1944.
His excellent judgment and ability were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive torpedo attacks which culminated in the sinking of enemy ships totaling over 21,000 tons and damaging additional enemy ships totaling over 18,000 tons. His outstanding leadership and coolness during severe enemy countermeasures, greatly assisted his ship in successful evasive tactics. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
GENERAL ORDERS:
Board Serial 3659 (May 19, 1967)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Jim Dick Miller (NSN: 0-82311), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Staff Officer in the Operations Directorate, Joint Staff, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, serving in the Pacific Division successively as an operations staff officer, as Chief of Plans and Studies Branch and as Deputy Chief, Captain Miller, by his clear understanding of the strategic implications of the complex situation unfolding in Southeast Asia, played a significant role in formulating and developing, for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, special war plans, estimates, and recommended military courses of action for Vietnam, which were major factors in evaluations and decisions at the highest levels.
Through his professional competence, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Miller made a major contribution to the effectiveness of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to the national security, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Jim Dick Miller (NSN: 0-82311), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1967 to June 1969 as Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Gulf Sub-Area. Captain Miller displayed outstanding professional skill and resourcefulness in the planning and execution of the internal reorganization of the Military Sea Transportation Service, Gulf Sub-Area.
Through his leadership and effective management, the transition was brought about with a minimum of disruption despite the fact that the reorganization resulted in a reduction in personnel at a time when the demand for cargo lift was increasing. Captain Miller was also instrumental in the effective implementation of a new method of controlling cargo loading operations which resulted in a substantial dollar savings. He further enhanced the operational efficiency of the Military Sea Transportation Service ships operating within the Gulf Sub-Area through his ability to maintain an outstanding rapport with the commercial shipping and terminal operators in his area. Captain Miller's leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
