Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Army
Lewis Lee "red" Millett
- Rank: Captain (Highest Rank: Colonel)
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- Unit/Command:
Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment,
25th Infantry Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: February 7, 1951
- Medal of Honor Action Place: vicinity of Hill 180, Soam-Ni, Korea
Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position, he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the two platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted two enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.
- Accredited to: Mechanic Falls, Androscoggin County, Maine
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: July 5, 1951
The White House (Rose Garden), presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman
- Born: December 15, 1920, Mechanic Falls, Androscoggin County, ME, United States
- Died: November 14, 2009, Idyllwild, CA, United States
- Buried: Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA, United States