WASHINGTON – A formal ceremony to present a posthumous Silver Star to PFC Johnathon Millican of County Line will be held at Locust Fork High School in Blount County on Saturday, July 28 at 11 a.m.
Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) will deliver remarks based on a letter that Millican’s commanding officer in Iraq wrote about the Alabama soldier. Bachus is helping to organize the tribute to Millican, who was killed during fighting in Karbala, Iraq on January 20.
"Johnathon Millican’s actions are the embodiment of the scriptural passage that says there is no greater love for a man than to lay down his life for his friends. His valor saved the lives of his fellow soldiers, and he died defending freedom. Johnathan will live in our memories as a brave and proud Alabamian who was devoted to family, duty, and country. His character and courage will leave a lasting impression on each of us," Bachus said.
According to an Army investigation, Millican, 20, blocked an explosion by a live grenade by falling on it during a surprise raid staged by insurgents on a government compound for U.S. troops and Iraqi police. Millican suffered fatal gunfire wounds during the attack. His quick actions are credited with saving the lives of other soldiers in the room, giving them time to fight off enemy gunmen who had posed as a security team. In all, five U.S. soldiers lost their lives during the assault.
Army Brigadier General Genaro Dellarocco will present the Silver Star to members of Millican’s family, including his widow Shannon, during the ceremony at the Locust Fork High School football field. Johnathon’s father, Mitchell, will offer remarks. A classmate and friend, Daniel Loggins, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dignitaries and representatives of veterans organizations from across the state will attend the ceremony, which will include music by the 98th Army Band Brass Ensemblefrom Fort Rucker and a presentation of colors by the 87th Division Deadquarters Vintage Color Guard from Riverchase, Birmingham.
A memorial stone has been dedicated in Millican's honor at the high school. Millican went to basic trianing after graduating from Locust Fork in 2005. he was assigned to the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment at Rort Richardson, Alaska.
The Silver Star is awarded for for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, and is the third highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to a memeber of the U.S. Armed Forces. Since 2001, a total of 240 Silver Stars have been awarded for meritorious actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Bachus has also asked the Department of Defense to examine whether Millican's actions merit consideration for the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor.