Washington (Sept. 9, 2010) -- Staff Sgt. Robert Miller will receive the Medal of Honor for his valor in combat, the White House has announced. Miller is the second recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This is the second Medal of Honor presented by President Barack Obama.
President Obama will present the Medal of Honor to Miller Oct. 6 in a White House ceremony. Miller is from Oviedo, Fla., where his parents currently reside.
Miller, 24, was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. Miller was serving as a Weapons Sergeant Jan. 25, 2008, when his team was attacked by insurgents hiding in a structure in Konar Province near the Pakistan border. While calling for his men to take cover, Miller deliberately moved forward, exposing his location, and provided protective fire. Miller drew fire from more than 100 enemy fighters, ultimately saving the lives of his teammates and 15 Afghanistan National Army soldiers. Miller's unwavering courage, at the cost of his own life, embodied the highest ideals of the Army Values. His selflessness and leadership above and beyond the call of duty exemplifies the strength of our Nation.
Miller was born Oct. 14, 1983, in Harrisburg, Pa., and grew up in Wheaton, Ill., where he attended Wheaton North High School. He enlisted as a Special Forces trainee Aug. 14, 2003. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course Sept. 26, 2004, and the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course March 4, 2005.
His previous military decorations include: The Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Parachutist Badge the Special Forces Tab and the Ranger Tab, to name a few.
Miller deployed twice, both times to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The first deployment was from August 2006 to March 2007, during which Miller received two Army Commendation Medals for Valor for his courage under fire. He returned to Afghanistan for his second deployment in October 2007.
Miller will become the seventh servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The last recipient of the Medal of Honor was Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti. Monti posthumously received the award on Sept. 17, 2009, in a ceremony at the White House.
For more information on the Medal of Honor please visit <a href="http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor">www.Army.mil/medalofhonor</a>.
Related Links:
Army.mil Medal of Honor feature site
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