The Shadow
Vietnam War – U.S. Army
Unit/Command:
Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
Medal of Honor action date: February 16, 1969
Medal of Honor action place: Bihn Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lieutenant Miller, Infancy, 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. First 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 US. Army.
1st Lt. Miller’s Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously on August 6, 1970 at the White House by President Richard Nixon to his family.
Gary is buried in Alleghany Memorial Park (1-143D-31), Covington, VA, United States
Medals:
MEDAL OF HONOR
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Gary is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 32w, Line 27.
