Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Award of Air Force Cross to Keary J.Miller

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 13, 2018

1. Award of Air Force Cross to Keary J.Miller Marker

Inscription.
Citation to Accompany the Award of
The Air Force Cross
to
Keary J.Miller
Technical Sergeant Keary J. Miller distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Marzak, Patkia Providence of Afghanistan, on 4 March 2002. On that date, Sergeant Miller was the Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Team Leader assigned to a Quick Reaction Force tasked to recover two American servicemen evading capture in austere terrain occupied by massed al Qaida and Taliban forces. Shortly before landing, his MH-47E helicopter received accurate rocket-propelled grenade and small armed fire, severely disabling the aircraft and causing it to crash land. The assault force formed a hasty defense and immediately suffered three fatalities and five critical casualties. Despite effective enemy fire, and at great risk to his own life, Sergeant Miller moved throughout the battlefield, crossing open danger areas on numerous occasions, in order to assess and care for critically wounded servicemen. As the battle drew on, he removed M-203 and 5.56 rounds from the deceased and, in multiple acts of extraordinary courage, proceeded through some of the day's heaviest rocket propelled grenade, mortar, and small arms fire while distributing the ammunition from

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position to position. Shortly thereafter another attack erupted, killing one Pararescueman and compromising the casualty collection point. Sergeant Miller braved the barrage of fire in order to better cover and conceal the wounded. His intrepidity and skill led to the successful delivery of ten gravely wounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment and to the recovery of seven servicemen killed in action. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Miller has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Erected 2017 by Maxwell-Gunter SNCOA Class 17-C.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Afghanistan. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 2002.

Location. 32° 24.267′ N, 86° 14.979′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of McDonald Street and Avenue D on McDonald Street. Located at the Enlisted Heritage Hall at the Gunter Annex and requires base access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 McDonald St, Montgomery AL 36114, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Award of Air Force Cross to Daniel P. Keller (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Zachary J. Rhyner

Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 13, 2018

2. Award of Air Force Cross to Keary J.Miller Marker

(here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Ivan M. Ruiz (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Robert Gutierrez, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Christopher G. Baradat (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Richard B. Hunter (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Jason D. Cunningham (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Dustin H. Temple (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex.

Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Keary J.Miller. On April 20th, 2017, fifteen years after a 17-hour battle on an Afghan mountaintop, a Pararescueman’s extraordinary heroism was recognized with an Air Force Cross, following a service-wide review of medals awarded since 9/11.

Keary J.Miller Marker located at far end of the row on right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016

3. Keary J.Miller Marker located at far end of the row on right.

Technical Sergeant Keary J. Miller image. Click for more information.

Via AFSOC, unknown

4. Technical Sergeant Keary J. Miller

"Pararescueman awarded Air Force Cross for valor at Roberts Ridge."
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs website entry
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 387 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 19, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on August 31, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.