The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] Edwin Frank Miller, Jr. (NSN: 0-6841033), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet aircraft, serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-THREE, Detachment THIRTY-ONE, embarked in U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) on 22 May 1968. Lieutenant Miller was the leader of a two-plane flight on a photographic reconnaissance mission planned to cover a major route segment in North Vietnam and gather bomb damage assessment photography. After completing the bomb damage assessment portion of the flight, he led his flight to the beginning of the important route segment leading through the city of Vinh. For a distance of twelve miles, the flight was subjected to extremely intense enemy fire. Ignoring the great risk to his personal safety, Lieutenant Miller continued his high-speed, low-level flight through this fire to obtain the highly important photography. His extraordinary courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1968 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Edwin Frank Miller, Jr. (NSN: 0-6841033), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1968 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 22, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Lieutenant Commander Edwin Frank Miller, Jr. (NSN: 0-6841033), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 22, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Edwin Frank Miller, Jr. (NSN: 0-6841033), United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in June 1969. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]