MILLER, OSCAR F. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, 361st Infantry, 91st Division.
Place and date: Near Gesnes, France, 28 September 1918. Entered service
at: Los Angeles, Calif. Birth: Franklin County, Ark. G.O. No.: 16, W.D.
1919. Citation: After 2 days of intense physical and mental strain, during
which Maj. Miller had led his battalion in the front line of the advance
through the forest of Argonne, the enemy was met in a prepared position
south of Gesnes. Though almost exhausted, he energetically reorganized
his battalion and ordered an attack. Upon reaching open ground the advancing
line began to waver in the face of machinegun fire from the front and flanks
and direct artillery fire. Personally leading his command group forward
between his front-line companies, Maj. Miller inspired his men by his personal
courage, and they again pressed on toward the hostile position. As this
officer led the renewed attack he was shot in the right leg, but he nevertheless
staggered forward at the head of his command. Soon afterwards he was again
shot in the right arm, but he continued the charge, personally cheering
his troops on through the heavy machinegun fire. Just before the objective
was reached he received a wound in the abdomen, which forced him to the
ground, but he continued to urge his men on, telling them to push on to
the next ridge and leave him where he lay. He died from his wounds a few
days later.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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