Col. Lewis Lee Millett Sr.
United States Army
December 15, 1920-November 14, 2009
He enlisted into the National Guard while still in high school and then in 1940 joined the United States Army Air Corps. When he thought that the United States would not participate in World War II he deserted and went to Canada with a friend where they joined the military and were sent to London. The U.S. did enter the war, and by the time he made it to Europe the U.S. was in the fight, so he transferred back to the Army. While serving with the Army in World War II, he received a Silver Star for driving a burning ammunition truck away from a group of soldiers, before it exploded. During the Korean War he received the United States Military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for leading a bayonet charge against Korean forces. He then went on to serve in the Vietnam War as well. .
Military awards include the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legion of Merits, three Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, and three Air Medals.
Medal of Honor Citation
Challenge coin presented to Forrest by Col. Millet prior to his death.
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 the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3rd 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.
