Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Gary Lee Miller

Details
  • Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry,
    1st Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 16, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Miller, Infantry, Company A, was serving as a platoon leader at night when his company ambushed a hostile force infiltrating from Cambodian sanctuaries. After contact with the enemy was broken, 1st Lt. Miller led a reconnaissance patrol from their prepared positions through the early evening darkness and dense tropical growth to search the area for enemy casualties. As the group advanced they were suddenly attacked. 1st Lt. Miller was seriously wounded. However, the group fought back with telling effect on the hostile force. An enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of the friendly patrol group and all took cover except 1st Lt. Miller, who in the dim light located the grenade and threw himself on it, absorbing the force of the explosion with his body. His action saved nearby members of his patrol from almost certain serious injury. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Medal of Honor Recipient Gary L. Miller
Medal of Honor Recipient Gary L. Miller
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Roanoke, Roanoke County, Virginia
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 6, 1970

    The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his family

  • Born: March 19, 1947, Covington, Covington County, VA, United States
  • Died: February 16, 1969, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Allegheny Memorial Park (1-143D-3), Covington, VA, United States
  • Location of Medal: Historical Society of Western Virginia, Roanoke, VA
 

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