WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2009 – Retired Army Col. Lewis L. Millett, who earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War for leading what reportedly was the last major American bayonet charge, died Nov 14.

It was on Veterans Day at Riverside National Cometary that I heard the news that the Colonel was hospitalized. I remember saying earlier in the day “I wonder where Colonel Millett is?” Then when I heard the announcement that he would not be joining us I thought to myself, “we are going to lose another one”, and quickly sending up a prayer.

I was very saddened to hear Colonel Millett passed away.

Like most of my So Cal  Gold Star Dad and Patriot Guard rider friends I was aware of the Colonel’s exploits.  He was a regular fixture at our Veterans Day and Memorial Day festivities at RNC. I knew his biography almost as well as I know my sons. I will never forget the last time I heard him speak, Memorial Day 2009, he wasn’t the Key Note that day but it was hard not letting the man speak when the crowd wouldn’t stop cheering for him when he was recognized by the MC. He only spoke a couple minutes and started out with just two words “Proud American” and the crowd went nuts, (continue reading…)