LTC. PHILLIP E. MILLER For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: First Lieutenant Miller distinguished himself on 12 November 1969 while piloting a Light Observation Helicopter near Dang Ha Mountain in Quang Tri Province. While transporting two passengers on a routine mission, Lieutenant Miller monitored an emergency medical evacuation report from a heavily engaged ground unit. Changing course, Lieutenant Miller reached the conflict area to give assistance. As he landed on a knob near friendly troops, his aircraft drew intense enemy fire. Disovering that the location of those needing medical evacuation was several meters below, he took off in search of them. With protection from helicopter gunships, Lieutenant Miller maneuvered his aircraft over the wreckage of a downed medical evacuation helicopter. Seeing no signs of life and receiving intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Miller was forced to withdraw. Lieutenant Miller dropped his two passengers off at a nearby fire base and returned to the conflict area, determined to evacuate the casualties. On his third attempt, Lieutenant Miller successfully landed his aircraft on a very small mountainside clearing. Four of the most seriously injured personnel were loaded on board and evacuated. Despite damages incurred on the previous evacuation when a rotor blade struck the surrounding terrain, Lieutenant Miller returned to the conflict area. Without helicopter gunship protection and under intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Miller landed at the evacuation site. As Lieutenant Miller was preparing to take off, after taking three more casualties on board, an enemy rocket-propelled grenade struck the aircraft and severed its tail boom. The aircraft overturned and burst into flames. Although suffering leg injuries, Lieutenant Miller managed to crawl from the aircraft to nearby friendly troops. First Lieutenant Miller’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

LTC. Miller joined the L.O.V. in 1978 and is a life member.