The outstanding act of Capt Millett in 1950:last major American bayonet charge:
The outstanding act of Capt Millett in 1950:last major American bayonet charge:
On 5 December 1950 Capt Millett was flying as an observer in a Stinson L-5 Sentinel when Capt J.F.O. Davis DFC, 2 Sqn SAAF attached to 18 Fighter Bomber Wing, crash landed his F-51D Mustang in North Korea.
The pilot of the L-5 landed on a road near the downed Mustang and Millett gave up his seat to Capt Davis.
This was an outstanding act of bravery as the area was surrounded by enemy troops.
When the pilot of the L-5 returned to the scene, no trace of Millett could be found. Just before dark the L-5 returned, found and picked Millet up.
By February 7, 1951, Millett was serving in South Korea as a captain and commander of Company E of the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
On that day, near Soam-Ni, he led his company in an assault on an enemy position atop Hill 180 near Anyang.
When one platoon became pinned down by heavy fire, Millett took another platoon forward, joined the two groups, and led them up the hill.
Wielding his bayonet and throwing hand grenades, Millett yelled encouragement to his soldiers throughout the hand to hand fight.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, his men stormed the enemy position and forced the opposing soldiers to withdraw.
Although wounded in the shin by grenade fragments, Millett refused to be evacuated until the position was secured.
Historian S.L.A. Marshall described the attack as "the most complete bayonet charge by American troops since [the Battle of Cold Harbor]".
Out of about 50 enemy dead, roughly 20 were found to have been killed by bayonets, and the location subsequently became known as Bayonet Hill.
For his leadership during the assault, Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal was formally presented to him by President Harry S Truman in July 1951.
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