A Living Legend has Passed On

With Remembrance Day behinds us, one story didn't seem to get much coverage, namely the passing of Col. Lewis Millett (1920-2009) on November 14th of the United States Army. Odds are you've never heard of this man, so I'll give you the summary of his life.

- Left High School and joined the American Army because he wanted to fight the fascist in World War 2. When it became clear to him that the United States was not going to join to war anytime soon, he deserted the army and joined the Canadian Army to fight the Nazis.

- When the U.S. did join in the war, they did court martial him for desertion and he was found guilty. The penalty was a $52.00 fine.

- After the Second World War, Millett go on to fight in the Korean war and win the Medal of Honor and have a road named "Millett Road" in Korea for an incredible bayonet charge. Here's the citation:

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

- In addition to his Medal of Honor, Millett also won Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (Yup, he also fought in Vietnam), the Ranger Tab, US and Thai Master Parachutist Badges^.

Why a movie about this mans life has not been made yet is beyond my understanding.