COL Lewis Millett, MoH

[Cobrahistorian]

I've just gotten the word that Colonel Lewis Millett, Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War has passed. Millett enlisted in the Air Corps before the US was involved, but deserted and headed to Canada. From there he shipped overseas and was part of an antiaircraft gun crew in England until US troops began arriving. He rejoined the US Army and fought in North Africa (where he earned the Silver Star).

 

Millett joined the Maine National Guard after World War II and served there until volunteering for active duty during the Korean War. He assumed command of a Company in the 27th Infantry Regiment and emphasized bayonet training. During Operation PUNCH, he led what has become known as the last bayonet charge in US Army history. Leading the charge and ignoring the shrapnel wounds he sustained, Millett led his company against dug in Chinese defenders. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

Millett remained in the Army after Korea and was a driving force behind the creation and implementation of MACV Recondo School, of which he became the first commander. He retired after more than thirty years of service in 1973. Colonel Millett was 88.

 

I had the honor of speaking with Colonel Millett last year when we were planning the update for the museum's Medal of Honor gallery. He has been a good friend of the museum for years and we actually have the bayonet that he led his Medal of Honor charge with on display in the gallery. He will be missed.

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news#33977115

[locobuster]

God Speed, Colonel Millett.

[Cobrahistorian]

A SOLDIER'S PRAYER - by Col. Lewis L. Millett

 

I've fought when others feared to serve.

I've gone where many failed to go.

I've lost friends in war and strife, who valued duty over the love of life.

I've shared the comradeship of pain

I've searched these lands for men that we've lost.

I've sons who've served our land of liberty who'd fight to see that other lands are free.

I've seen the weak forsake humanity.

I've heard fakers praise our enemy.

Ive seen challenged men stand ever bolder.

I've seen the duty, the honor, the sacrifice of the soldier.

Now, I understand the meaning of all lives,

The lives of comrades of not so long ago.

So to you who answered duties siren call, may

God bless you my son, may God bless you all.

 

I apologize for the choppiness of my first post on this thread. That first sentence should have read "Millett enlisted in the Air Corps in 1940, before the US was involved in WWII, but deserted and headed to Canada to join up with British forces." To this day, Millett is the only full Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient to be court martialed for desertion. His penalty for doing so? A fine of $52.

[teufelhunde.ret]

God Speed. R.I.P. Colonel. S/F Darrell :salute:

[Wolfhounds]

R.I.P. Colonel, another Wolfhound gone, but not forgotten

[USMCRECON]

Several years ago now (when I was still on active duty) I had the honor of representing the Assistant Secretary of Defensde for Prisoners of War and Missing Personnel at the groundbreaking for a POW statue at the Riverside CA military cemetery.

 

The sculptor was Louis Millet JR. (COL Millett's son), and I had the distinct pleasure of spending the day, including lunch, with COL Millett, his female companion, and his son. I called him on the phone a couple times after that for brief chats but that was the last time I saw him in person. He was one hell of a character!

[bobgee]

Rest in Peace, Warrior! :salute:

[Andrei]

 

Army Col. (ret.) Lewis Millett, Medal of Honor recipient for his exploits during the Korean Conflict, speaks at a Hill 180 remembrance ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Orly Tyrell)