Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Lewis
Lee “Red”
Millett
December 15, 1920

–

November 14, 2009

Cemetery:

Riverside National Cemetery

Lewis Millett enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940, then, when it appeared that the U.S. would not enter the war, went AWOL to join the Canadian Army. A gunner in London, when at last the U.S. did declare war, in the summer of 1942 Millett turned himself in to the American Embassy. For nearly two years his Army Air Corps unit had carried him on its rolls as a DESERTER. Eventually Millett was assigned to the 1st Armored Division, serving in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany, and earning a Silver Star. While serving in combat in Italy, the desertion charge from SERGEANT Millett’s former unit caught up to him and he was notified he had been brought up before a summary court-martial and sentenced to 30 days hard labor, a $52 fine, and suspension of his sergeant’s stripes. Less than a year later, Millett received a battlefield promotion to Second Lieutenant and earned a Bronze Star.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 7, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 69 (August 2, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Infantry) Lewis Lee “Red” Millett, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hill 180, Soam-Ni, Korea, on 7 February 1951. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position Captain Millett noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Captain 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 Captain 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 Captain 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 Captain 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.