Staff Sergeant Miller would eventually be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor — the highest award in the United States Military. His actions that day were not only heroic, but as you will see in the quick excerpt below, they exemplified the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) mission and skill set: fearlessly and effectively leading a group of foreign soldiers into battle while speaking the native tongue.
Though Robert Miller laid down his life that day for the sake of his brothers in arms, I take heart in knowing that there are many others serving in the United States Army Special Forces Regiments that are imbued with the same spirit of the Quiet Professional and our timeless motto that defines our mission: De Oppresso Liber!
Below is an excerpt from the official narrative:
Understanding the peril of the battle and the composition of his force, Staff Sgt. Miller moved from his firing position and began emplacing ANA soldiers in positions to provide overwatch, detect movement from the high ground, observe the rear of the patrol and provide security to the flank of the ground assault. His actions provided
security for his team and enabled them to maintain their focus on enemy targets. Once ample security was established, Staff Sgt. Miller re-engaged the enemy.
During a lull in fire, Staff Sgt. Miller dismounted his GMV a second time to repair a malfunctioning Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle.
Upon completion of the initial contact and CAS, the ODA commander directed a dismounted patrol to conduct battle damage assessment and a post-CAS strike assessment of the destroyed insurgent positions. Sensing the need to provide the ANA additional assistance, the ODA commander charged Staff Sgt. Miller with the responsibility to lead the partnered ANA force in an advisory role.
With the proficiency of an already-proven combat leader, Staff Sgt. Miller briefed the ANA platoon leadership on the scheme of maneuver onto the objective in their native Pashto language. Staff Sgt. Miller established rapport and instilled confidence in the ANA platoon leadership and its soldiers despite being partnered with the ANA platoon only 30 minutes prior to the mission.
Again, because of his tactical prowess, leadership and command of the Pashto language, Staff Sgt. Miller was selected as the point man for the dismounted patrol comprised of an Alpha and Bravo team from ODA 3312 and 15 ANA soldiers. He led the patrol with his M249 squad automatic weapon across the Gowardesh Bridge toward the target area.
Read and see more of this incredible story here.
Visit the Green Beret Foundation and the Green Beret Foundation Gold Star Memorial page here.
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