Lewis L. “Red” Millett Medal of Honor Citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

CAPTAIN
LEWIS LEE “RED” MILLETT
ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

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.

Born: Dec. 15, 1920 in Mechanic Falls, Maine…. Enlisted in National Guard during high school in 1938… Enlisted in Army Air Corps in 1940, then deserted to join the Canadian Army when it seemed the U.S. would not enter war, serving as a gunner in London… Rejoined U.S. Army and fought in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany… His rank was suspended once the military discovered Millett had “deserted,” but received a battlefield promotion to second lieutenant less than a year later… Replaced Capt. Reginald Desiderio, who earned the Medal of Honor posthumously three months prior to Millett’s actions… Also served during Vietnam… Also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, four Purple Hearts, the French Croix du Guerre, and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry… Retired as colonel in 1973… Departed: Nov. 14, 2009… Interred at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif.