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In Memory of Army SP5

Richard Lee Miller
Plankinton, South Dakota, Aurora County

                                              August 11, 1949 – June 11, 1969

                Killed in action from mortar fire in Vinh Long Province, South Vietnam

Richard Lee Miller was born in Plankinton, South Dakota, on August 11, 1949, to Rex Lyle and Lois Caroline (Berg) Miller. He had two brothers, Dennis and Michael, and a sister, Susan. Richard attended Hopper Grade School. He graduated in 1967 from Plankinton High School. Richard enjoyed playing football and industrial arts while in high school, and he helped his parents with the farm. 

 On August 22,1967, Specialist 5 Richard Lee Miller entered the army from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and took his training at Fort Lewis, Washington. He arrived in Vietnam on April 26, 1968, attached to the 523^rd Engineer Company.

Specialist 5 Richard Lee Miller was killed by artillery fire on June 11,1969. He was buried in Plankinton, South Dakota. Specialist 5 Richard Lee Miller was awarded the Military Merit Medal, the Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.  Spec 5 Richard Lee Miller’s name can be found on Panel 22W, Line 024 of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

Kyle Tibbetts, 7th grade, Stanley County Middle School, Fort Pierre, South Dakota, April 29, 2005, respectfully submitted this entry. Michael Miller, Plankinton, South Dakota, brother of Specialist 5 Richard Lee Miller, provided information.