Millett, Lewis Lee, Sr., Col

The Medal of Honor and other high decorations awarded to a deserter? Yes. He joined the Army Reserve while still in high school, then the Army Air Corps; but he deserted to join the Candian Army so he could fight in WWII as the US was not yet in it. In 1942 he joined the US Army where he served with distinction and where the desertion charge caught up with him but he was lightly punished. After the war he had a service break and went to college. He was recalled for the Korean War and served with bravery and distinction there as well as later in Vietnam before retiring from the army in 1973.
He received other foreign awards that are not shown and his ribbons are not exactly as they would be worn on his army uniform.

His Medal of Honor citation:
Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Infantry) Lewis Lee "Red" Millett, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hill 180, Soam-Ni, Korea, on 7 February 1951. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position Captain Millett noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Captain Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the two platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Captain Millett bayoneted two 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 Captain 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 Captain 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.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 69 (August 2, 1951)

Action Date: 7-Feb-51

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Company E

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 27th Infantry Regiment

Division: 25th Infantry Division

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