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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Carmelo Placido Milia (ASN: 0-62462), United States Army, for eminently meritorious service as a member of the Army General Staff from December 1966 to May 1968. As Staff Officer, Doctrine and Systems Directorate, Colonel Milia was the Department of the Army Systems Staff Officer (DASSO) for three tank and missile project phases–development, testing, production, training, distribution, organization, and employment, and as gained the reputation as one of the Army’s leading armor authors. Particularly outstanding was his development of concepts for the Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) from its inception to deployment. His work was accomplished with very little assistance. As a Department of the Army General Staff Officer, Colonel Milia has demonstrated his dynamic leadership, his adroit and prudent handling of sensitive situations with major commands. His performance in his assignments were unprecedented and difficult; however, his responses were clearly and irrefutably outstanding, definitely setting him apart from his contemporaries. As Department of the Army Systems Officer for the SHERIDAN/SHILLELAGH Missile System, Colonel Milia by his incomparable accuracy and judgment contributed to the solution of major problems pertaining to combustible case ammunition. He developed an accelerated test program for troops firing this ammunition, which by its success raised users’ confidence to a new high level. Accordingly, this system was reaffirmed as an important weapon of the Army inventory. Especially noteworthy was his participation in the Combat Vehicle Program Review (CVPR). Largely due to his insight into critical systems, his participation made possible the timely resolution of problems and provided guidance for improvements. As key point of contact within the Department of Army for his assigned vehicle programs, Colonel Milia personally briefed many key military, governmental and industrial officials. His lucid and convincing presentations created consistent support for the Army’s program. He organized and supervised the Department of Army participation in the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Mobility Symposium at Fort Benning, Georgia, on 26 -0 29 May 1968. His skill and diplomacy in this further elicited favorable comments from the Office of the Secretary of the Army and the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development. In addition, Colonel Milia has enjoyed the esteem and admiration of his colleagues. His outstanding service at this critical time has contributed significantly to the operational picture of the United States Army and has brought credit to the Defense community.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    64th Medium Tank Battalion

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 18, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 565 (December 16, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Carmelo Placido Milia (ASN: 0-62462), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Company A, 64th Medium Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in Korea. On 18 September 1951, two assault platoons of the reinforced tank battalion were engaged in a clean up mission near Hat-O-Dong, Korea, when three tanks of the leading platoon were suddenly disabled by mines and subjected to anti-tank fire. As the enemy continued firing from positions in the surrounding hills, the supporting infantry was dispersed in the open terrain. Lieutenant Milia, Fourth Platoon tank leader, was assigned the task of seizing a low hill, which would enable friendly troops to cover evacuation of the wounded and repair of the disabled tanks with fire protection. Disregarding the hail of hostile fire, he dismounted from his tank and moved about fearlessly organizing the nearest infantrymen into an assault team. Shouting encouragement to the men, he led them toward the objective which they secured and held until the tank force was ready to move. Although the group sustained casualties while assaulting the hill, Lieutenant Milia, by valorous and resolute leadership, retained control of the unit amid the intense hostile fire. The gallantry and inspiring leadership displayed by Lieutenant Milia reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – June 1969

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Carmelo Placido Milia (ASN: 0-62462), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period June 1968 to June 1969, while serving consecutively as S-3, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, and as Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor in the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Milia was confronted with the enormous task of training and preparing the brigade for combat operations. Due to his enthusiasm, tenacity, persistence and professional competence, the brigade trained to a high state of readiness and deployed to Vietnam with remarkable efficiency. Colonel Milia was the hallmark of skill and competence. He demonstrated leadership abilities that were outstanding in judgment and results. His inherent ability to grasp and analyze problems of grave and far-reaching consequence enabled him to render flawless decisions. He provided firm and positive command and technical guidance to his staff while at the same time providing them with sufficient latitude to develop operating procedures peculiar to their particular area of operation. His foresight and organizational ability were instrumental in the battalion’s unprecedented level of accomplishment during a critical period of combat activity. Lieutenant Colonel Milia’s professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.