In a recent flurry of Medal of Honor news, I’ve learned that yet a third Medal of Honor, this one to a Green Beret KIA in Afghanistan, will be awarded in the coming weeks.
January 25, 2008: While serving as a Special Forces weapons sergeant for his team, SSgt Robert J. Miller, 24, volunteered to walk point on a night patrol in the Konar Province near the Pakistan border. Because of his Pashto language abilities, he also led and directed the small local contingent of Afghan national soldiers; as they approached their target the patrol was attacked by insurgents.
In the ensuing chaos Miller immediately directed fire and provided cover for his men, then he immediately engaged several enemy, buying time for his teammates to take cover. Repeatedly leaving relatively safe cover, Miller drew fire from more than 100 enemy fighters, ultimately saving the lives of his fellow Green Berets and 15 local ANA Soldiers.
The unit called for close-air support to bomb an insurgent position, but were attacked again when they moved in to survey the damage.
Miller’s team captain was seriously wounded and as he was moved to safety, Miller took control at the front of the patrol and continued to lay down suppressive fire on multiple insurgent positions, ultimately saving his commander’s life.
Even after being hit by enemy machine-gun fire, Miller continued to fire his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and throw grenades into Taliban positions until his succumbed to his wounds.
In additional to the Medal of Honor and Two Purple Hearts, Miller’s decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals for valor, the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Special Forces Tab and the Ranger Tab.
Miller, of Harrisburg, Pa., one of eight brothers and sisters, enlisted as a Special Forces trainee on Aug. 14, 2003. He will become the seventh service member to receive the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Read more here.
An historical wrong made right…. finally.
As well, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. Etchberger, above, will receive the nation’s high award more than 40 years after his death in Laos. LM3/1 first reported that the process to upgrade the clandestine operator’s posthumous Air Force Cross was under consideration in 2008; see Lima Site 85.
Cory Etchberger, the son of the late career airman, told me recently that the Pentagon Channel will broadcast the Medal of Honor ceremony at the Pentagon at 10 am on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
Details of the White House Medal of Honor ceremony are typically announced just a few days before the event, and it is the first time that the official citation is made public. (Photo below courtesy of Cory Etchberger.)
Because the Lima Site 85 operations was top secret and in Laos, Washington politics was more important that honoring a great hero. Despite being nominated for the Medal of Honor the Johnson administration downgraded it to the Air Force Cross and it was presented in a secret ceremony to the Etchberger family which was, as were all grieving families, sworn to secrecy.
Etchberger’s wife, Katherine, and other spouses were threatened with federal prosecution if she spoke about her husband’s operation and death.
In a recent brief exchange, Cory said that:
“While doing research on a biography about my father I have looked through all of his military records and yearly performance reports. These records show that he was a mentor and leader to the men who served under him.
“In his yearly performance reports, his superiors mention things like he ‘...never failed to pass on his knowledge to the younger airmen under him’.
“His commander for his final mission, Colonel Jerry Clayton told me, ‘His interest in his people was a talent he exhibited constantly. His people loved him and would do anything for him. His final moments gave a striking example of how he took care of them.’
“He was just an ordinary man who found himself in an extraordinary situation. He did on the last night of his life, what he had been doing for his entire Air Force career: looking out after the men who served with him.
“I know from talking directly to some of the men that he served with that he was very committed to this mission and he honestly thought what he was doing would bring an early end to the Vietnam war and save American lives. It is also gratifying to know that my mother was 100% behind him volunteering for this mission.
“It is a very special day for the Etchberger family and for all of our friends who have supported this effort over the years. It has been a long journey, but it is very heartening to know that Dad’s actions are now finally fully recognized. We are very humbled with the award for him while at the same time filled with pride.
“Even though my father has received this medal, there were 18 other Americans who volunteered for this mission and were up on that hill that night. I hope they too now will receive the recognition that they deserve. Every one of those men volunteered knowing the risks involved and now hopefully this will provide a way for them to earn some just recognition for their and their family’s’ sacrifice too.”
Also to be awarded is the first Medal of Honor to a living Recipient of this war… U.S. Army SSgt Sal Giunta (june - ta).
Read my recent post here: Army airborne soldier first living Recipient since 1972. Also, see video here.
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