On 22 July 2006, I was the platoon sergeant for a light scout platoon. Moving south near Tikrit, Iraq to conduct an operation with the Iraqi Police Chief. My vehicle was struck by two 120 mm mortar rounds with a fuel base accelerant. The vehicle was pushed to the east by the blast. The rear passenger door was forced open by the blast and that allowed fuel to enter the vehicle. The truck was on fire and unable to move. My gunner and I were both on fire. We managed to escape the burning vehicle and move to a secure location. I called for back up and within minutes we had an overwhelming force on the ground. We were able to locate and detainee the suspect responsible for the attack. I received 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the neck, head and right ear. My gunner was more seriously wounded. I received the Order of the Purple Heart on 10 Sep 2006.

I have attached copies of the awards. I have blocked out my social security number. I am unable to attach photos at this time.

SFC Kevin Miller

On 7 September 2006, on a routine route reconnaissance patrol near Muqdadiya Iraq, my patrol was responding to a call of eight armed men moving toward our location. We were able to move and set security. The air weapons team (AWT) over head gave accurate information to my patrol. I asked headquarters if the AWT could engage the enemy. The AWT was given permission to fire. The enemy was located less than 100 meters to the west of my location. As the AWT engaged the hostile targets, my patrol was surprised when RPG rockets and a hail of automatic gunfire arrived from the opposite direction. My patrol laid down suppressive fire as we were now caught in an ambush. My men and I were able to destroy all but two targets, we sustained zero casualties. The enemy fired approximately 800 rounds of machine gun fire, two rocket propelled grenades and an estimated 1000 rounds of automatic rifle fire. We fired 1200 rounds of .50 caliber machine gun and 1200-1400 rounds of M240B machine gun. We were able to fight through the ambush attack and continue our mission. After the attack, the AWT called and stated that one of the helicopters had to make an emergency landing. We were tasked to push back through the ambush location and move to conduct recovery operations for the downed aircraft. It took roughly 20 minutes to move over the rough terrain and find the downed AH-64 Apache Helicopter. Upon arrival I moved my men to secure the aircraft and recover the pilots. The pilots were not injured and the aircraft was later repaired and flown back to its’ home station. On November 10th 2007, I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for my actions.