Soldier to Receive Posthumous Medal of Honor

Courtesy Photo | Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously when President Barack Obama presents the award to his parents at the White House in an Oct. 6 ceremony at the White House. Miller saved members of his team and 15 Afghan soldiers during a Jan. 25, 2008, battle in Afghanistan.  

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

09.09.2010

Courtesy Story

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs           

WASHINGTON - In an Oct. 6 ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama will present the Medal of Honor to the parents of a soldier who died while saving members of his team and 15 Afghan soldiers.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, who was 24 years old when he died, will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for heroic actions in Barikowt, Afghanistan, on Jan. 25, 2008.

"He displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor --eventually sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his teammates and 15 Afghanistan National Army soldiers," White House officials said in a written statement issued Sept. 9 announcing the honor.

Miller's parents, Phil and Maureen Miller, will join the president at the ceremony, the statement said.

Miller was born on Oct. 14, 1983, in Harrisburg, Pa., and graduated from Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Ill. Shortly after his family moved to Oviedo, Fla., he enlisted in the Army in August 2003 as a Special Forces candidate. He attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Ga., and received his Green Beret in 2005.

He served as a weapons sergeant in Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, based at Fort Bragg, N.C.

His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, the Special Forces tab, the Ranger tab and the parachute badge.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by brothers Thomas, Martin and Edward and sisters Joanna, Mary, Therese and Patricia.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2010
• Date Posted: 09.09.2010 15:04
• Story ID: 55978
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US