b. 19/03/1947 Covington, Virginia. d. 16/02/1969 Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 16/02/1969 Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.
Gary L Miller MOH
Miller joined the Army from Roanoke, Virginia in 1967, and by February 16, 1969, was serving as a first lieutenant in Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On that day, in Bình Dương Province, South Vietnam during Operation Toan Thang II, Miller smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown grenade with his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him. Miller had attended a branch of Virginia Tech and was honoured by the university in 2020. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his family by President Richard M. Nixon on August 6, 1970.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Miller, Infantry, Company A, was serving as a platoon leader at night when his company ambushed a hostile force infiltrating from Cambodian sanctuaries. After contact with the enemy was broken, 1st Lt. Miller led a reconnaissance patrol from their prepared positions through the early evening darkness and dense tropical growth to search the area for enemy casualties. As the group advanced they were suddenly attacked. 1st Lt. Miller was seriously wounded. However, the group fought back with telling effect on the hostile force. An enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of the friendly patrol group and all took cover except 1st Lt. Miller, who in the dim light located the grenade and threw himself on it, absorbing the force of the explosion with his body. His action saved nearby members of his patrol from almost certain serious injury. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: ALLEGHENY MEMORIAL PARK, COVINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 1, LOT 143-D, SPACE 3.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, ROANOKE, VIRGINIA.
