Medal of Honor: MILLETT, LEWIS L.

Recently Lewis L. Millett passed away. In February, 1951 while fighting in Korea, he led his troops on an attack of an entrenched enemy.  The fighting turned to hand to hand combat and Capt. Millett intrepidity took the battle to the enemy with his bayonet. Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.

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Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Army
Company: Company E
Division: 27th Infantry Regiment
Born: 15 December 1920, Mechanic Falls, Maine
Departed: Yes (11/14/2009)
Entered Service At: Mechanic Falls, Maine
G.O. Number: 69
Date of Issue: 08/02/1951
Place / Date: Vicinity of Soam-Ni, Korea, 7 February 1951

 

Citation
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 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 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.

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Thanks to our friends at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for providing this citation to Guns & Patriots. Visit them at www.cmohs.org.

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