THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
Washington

The President of the United States, takes pride in presenting the
NAVY CROSS posthumously to:

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CLEATUS A. MILLER JR.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

For extraordinary heroism while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 25 October 1969, while Private First Class Miller's machine- gun team was moving as the point element down a narrow valley during a search and destroy operation in the Que Son District of Quang Nam Province, all members of the team were seriously wounded by a heavy volume of automatic weapons and sniper fire from enemy soldiers occupying well-concealed postions in the dense vegetation. Realizing the need for immediate action to prevent casualties among the men following the lead element, Private First Class Miller, who's right leg was immobile, resolutely dragged himself forward, grasped the machine-gun, and, painfully crawling across the fire-swept terrain to an advantageous position, commnesed delivering rapid bursts against the hostile emplacements. His valiant move placed him in full view of the enemy soldiers who immediately concentrated all their fire on him. Nevertheless, he steadfastly remained in his hazardous position and continued his determined efforts until, weakened by extreme pain and loss of blood, he lapsed into unconsciousness. His heroic and resolute actions inspired all who observed him and provided the time vitally necessary for the first squad to regroup and assault through the North Vietnamese Army emplacements. By his courage, his agressive fighting spirit, and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Miller upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

Secretary of the Navy