Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Robin K. Miller (ASN: 0-97164), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 114th Assault Helicopter Company, 13th Combat Aviation Battalion, 164th Combat Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Captain Miller distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 December 1967 as leader of an armed helicopter platoon supporting Vietnamese infantrymen near Vi Thanh. The Vietnamese units were savagely attacked and pinned down by devastating fire as they advanced toward suspected Viet Cong positions in a treeline. Called to aid the beleaguered soldiers, Captain Miller flew to the battle site and launched a deadly rocket and grenade attack on the enemy bunkers and weapons emplacements. His ship was heavily damaged by withering ground fire, but he continued his relentless assaults until he had expended his ammunition and two of his crew members had been wounded. After securing another aircraft, he flew back to the scene and made a series of low passes into a fierce enemy barrage to lay a smoke screen for incoming troop transport helicopters. Bullets tore into his ship as he orbited the firefight, courageously drawing fire to himself while fresh troops were inserted into the battle area. He was forced to obtain another aircraft, but he quickly returned to resume his support of the friendly forces. Evacuation helicopters arrived to pick up casualties, and Captain Miller made repeated passes over enemy positions to draw fire away from the rescue operation. He then renewed his assault role, raining deadly ordnance on the insurgents and destroying many of their positions. The Vietnamese ground commander decided to extract one of his units that had been in heavy contact since the early morning. In the total darkness of night, the evacuation helicopters could not find the landing zone they were to use. Captain Miller located the site which was close to the Viet Cong positions. Landing, he fearlessly turned on all his ship’s lights and guided the evacuation craft to the pickup point. His fearless actions contributed greatly to inflicting a decisive defeat on the determined enemy and saved many lives in the heat of battle. Captain Miller’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received