Militaria

Lot 173    SESSION 1 eSALE ONLINE ONLY (MON 20TH NOV CLOSE FROM 9.30AM)    Militaria

Estimate $250
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $150

USA ARMY COMBAT FIELD UNIFORM JACKET, affixed to the collar on one side is the eagle rank badge for Colonel, on the other side is the US Army eagle, on the sleeve is the arm patch for Military Assistance Command Vietnam, above the right pocket is the name, 'Millett' and something has been removed above this, and above the left pocket is, 'U.S.Army', above this is the Master Parachutist Badge and above that is a clip-pin riband for the Medal of Honour, all badges and patches are embroidered. With some small white spots and a few small stains and collar button missing, otherwise very fine.

Ex Warwick G. Cary Collection.
Colonel Lewis Lee 'Red' Millett was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for the Korean War where he was serving as a Captain. He later served in the 101st Airborne Division as an intelligence officer and then served in the Vietnam War as a military advisor to the Phoenix Program with the aim of eliminating Viet Cong sympathisers. He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1973 and died on 14 November 2009.
Citation for Medal of Honour:- 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.