How A Deserter Becomes An American Hero
Since I was a child I read stories about Col Millet
. I remember reading of his exploits in three wars, and his dedication to training in the pages of Military History magazine and Soldier of Fortune. His honorable service in World War II and winning the Medal of Honor in the Korean War would probably been enough to secure him a place in the annuals of American military history, but his service in Vietnam is the stuff of legend.The colonel was a man though and at age 88, he died in Loma Linda, California one month shy of his 89th birthday.
The colonel was born on December 15, 1920, in Mechanic Falls, Maine, but would grow up in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where is mother moved after his parents divorced. The young Millet grew up hearing stories of his great-grandfather who'd fought in the civil war, and uncle who was a member of Massachusetts Army National Guard and fought in with the 101st Field Artillery Regiment in World War I. He would join his uncle's unit while still in high school in 1938, and in 1940 he joined United States Army Air Corps, and trained as a gunner.
It seems Millet couldn't wait to get into the fight so rather than wait for the U.S. to enter the war he deserted and headed to Canada with a friend who'd been kicked out of the marines and joined the Canadian army. He was sent to the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery which was assigned to protect London from Nazi aircraft. Not long after arriving in London the U.S. entered the war, so Millet went to the American embassy and promptly went back to the army, but this time 27th Armored Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division.
In Tunisia he was assigned an anti-tank gun, but he would earn a silver star by driving a flaming half tract loaded with ammunition away from other soldiers. He'd also shot down a German fighter with a vehicle mounted weapon, and as a sergeant he would take part in the allied invasion of Italy and fight at the battle of Anzio.
Unfortunately, while in Italy the slow wheels of justice finally caught up with Millet and he was court-martialed for his earlier desertion for which he was fined $52 and lost all of his leave time. Millet would bounce back a week later when he received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant.
After the war he returned to Maine and joined the 103rd Infantry of the Maine National Guard and attended college, but he would be called back to active duty in 1949. During the war Millet would win a number of decorations, but probably is finest hours was when he was a captain at Hill 180.
One platoon was taking heavy enemy fire and was pinned down, so he lead another platoon to their position and linked both groups and fixed bayonets, and he lead the charge up the hill shouting words of encouragement to his men. Despite being wounded by a grenade he refused to leave until the position was taken. His men engaged in an aggressive close combat hand-to-hand attack and won the day. He would recover from his wound and after the war would attend Ranger school.
Before retiring in 1973 at the rank of Colonel, Millett served in a number of positions in the U.S., and in Vietnam. He taught reconnaissance and commando training at the101st Airborne Division Recondo School at Fort Campbell.
He also worked as intelligence officer with the 101st and was involved in the controversial counterinsurgency Phoenix Program. With the 46th Special Forces Company which held the rare designation as both Ranger and Special Forces unit he founded the Royal Thai Army Ranger School. He also commanded the Army Security Agency training center at Fort Devens, Massachusetts which handled the military communications and gathered intelligence.
Once retired from the military Millet became a deputy sheriff and kept active with veteran's groups, and was always a true patriot. He will be missed and it is now up to us to carry on the legacy of such a great warrior. His citation below pretty much says it all.
Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire.
Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 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 Capt. 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 Capt. 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.
by: Matthew McKernan Orange Beach Alabama: Affordable Gastronomic Delights Buying A Laptop For Christmas? Avoid Common Mistakes What To Do While In Orange Beach Alabama Renting A Holiday Home: The Perfect Family Holiday Alabama Gulf Coast Beaches: Where To Find The Best Sand Devon Holidays - Exploring Dartmouth And Beyond Devon Holidays - Exploring Dartmoor Miami Beach Fifth Street - Take Pleasure In Splendid Existence Head To London For The Best City Breaks Full Body Contouring: Advantages Over A Single Procedure Travel With Less Stress This Christmas Basic Car Maintenance Tips For The Road Trip Enthusiast Holiday Gift Ideas For Men: 3 Unique Gift Ideas Men Would Appreciate