Wheaton Remembers Local Soldier Awarded With Medal of Honor

Wheaton remembered Army Staff Sgt. Robert Miller  today, Oct. 6, with an all-school Mass and prayer service at the Robert Miller Plaza outside St. Michael's Church. Miller's family will receive his Medal of Honor posthumously from President Barack Obama at the White House today.

Staff Sgt. Miller will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his conspicuous gallantry on the day he was killed in action in Afghanistan on Jan. 25, 2008.

According to a White House press release, Staff Sgt. Miller displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor—eventually sacrificing his own life to save the lives of his Army Green Beret team and 15 Afghanistan National Army soldiers. Staff Sgt.  Miller's parents, Phil and Maureen Miller, will join the President at the White House to commemorate their son's sacrifice.

Miller was born on Oct. 14, 1983, in Harrisburg, Pa. He graduated from St. Michael's School in 1998 and from Wheaton North High School in 2002. Shortly after that, his family moved to Oviedo, FL. He enlisted in the Army as a Special Forces candidate in August 2003.  He attended basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Benning, GA and became a Green Beret in 2005.  Staff Sgt. Miller served as a weapons sergeant in Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), which is based at Fort Bragg, NC. 

His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab and Parachute Badge.

He is survived by his parents, Phil and Maureen Miller; his brothers Thomas, Martin and Edward; and his sisters Joanna, Mary, Therese and Patricia.