SSG Robert James Miller

U.S. Army /

SSG Robert James Miller

Rob enlisted in the Army in August 2003, completed basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, and earned the Green Beret in March 2005. After completing training to be a Special Forces weapons sergeant, he was deployed to Afghanistan in August 2006. During that deployment, Rob earned two Army Commendation Medals with Valor device for courage under fire. In between deployments, Rob earned the Ranger tab. He deployed again to Afghanistan in October 2007. In the early morning hours of January 25, 2008, Rob’s combined unit of SF and Afghan National Army soldiers walked into an up-close, intense ambush. Rob was walking point and advising the ANA soldiers. He immediately laid down a withering base of accurate fire with his SAW, while at the same time calling out locations of the insurgents to the rest of the team, and giving direction in Pashto to the more inexperienced and confused Afghan soldiers. When the team captain was critically wounded, Rob advanced into an exposed position, drawing fire on himself, and allowing the captain and the rest of the soldiers to reach safety. Even after receiving a mortal wound, Rob continued to employ his SAW and handgrenades until he could no longer do so. The battle continued for some time, with Rob’s teammates and Afgan soldiers risking their own lives to bring his body back. There were no other fatalities on our side. Rob’s final valor award is still pending.

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