SSG Robert J Miller - MOH Awardee

From CSM Rob Duane, 3/3rd SFG(A)

"One of my former Soldiers will be awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously) at the White House on 6 October. Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller died in action near Bari Kowt, Afghanistan 25 Jan 08. Robby did not lose his life that day, he gave it for his friends. There are many Afghan and US Soldiers still alive today because of Robby's selfless service, gallantry, and acts of intrepidity.

We first received the news of the award in July when President Obama personally called Robby's parents to tell them. As much as I wanted to broadcast that great news at the time, I had to wait until the official announcement. There is a big article in today's Fayetteville Observer, so since the cat is out of the bag it is time to spread this great news.

There will be a series of ceremonies in DC 6-7 Oct at the White House and the Pentagon. I could not be happier for Robby's family and the unit.
Robby was an "18 X-ray" that is a guy recruited right off the street and trained as a Special Forces Soldier. In the past they were called "SF Babies". Robby is a pretty good example that the recruiting process that brings in these young people is working well."

V/R,
Rob L. Duane
3d Bn, 3d SFG(A) CSM



WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2010 – 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 today 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.