Elizabeth City Council Approves Storyboard Memorial in Veterans Park Honoring Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient -- by Laura Bush Jenkins

Did you know an Elizabeth City native received one of our nation's highest honors- the Medal of Honor- for his military service?

On November 13th, Elizabeth City Councilmen approved appropriation of funds toward an informative plaque in Veteran's Park (222 N Water Street, near Pasquotank/Camden Bridge) honoring the life and actions of Command Sergeant Major Franklin Douglas Miller of the 5th Special Forces Group.  

According to Miller's Medal of Honor citation, he "single-handedly repulsed 2 determined attacks by the numerically superior enemy force and caused them to withdraw" after his men tripped on a hostile booby trap in Kontum Province, Vietnam.

When enemy forces eventually attacked the evacuation helicopter hovering over his injured team, S/Sgt. Miller repelled them and continued driving them back even though he was seriously wounded.

Miller was recognized at a White House ceremony with President Richard Nixon in 1971, and later honored with the dedication of Range 37 at Ft. Bragg in his name.

"He did a lot for our country and I [initially] didn't know he came from Elizabeth City," explained City Councilman Darius Horton.  

"We researched whether any other Medal of Honor recipient came from [this] area, and he is the only one.  It is unusual."

According to Assistant City Manager Angela Cole, the project honoring Miller should be completed by March or sooner.  An unveiling ceremony is planned for a future date, enabling the community to come together.  

101st Airborne veteran Joe Johnson of Elizabeth City considers the naming and placing of the storyboard a victory for all veterans.  

"The acknowledgement means all veterans have their service remembered," Johnson says.  "The sacrifices they made and are still making- physically and otherwise-are not forgotten by grateful people."

"Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6060 fully supports this patriotic initiative," added public affairs officer Daniel Serik.  "Men such as Miller and those of his kind are held in high esteem and we believe they should be remembered and honored."

If you would like to learn more about initiatives and projects supporting local veterans or tell us about one you are planning, connect with us at info@albemarletradewinds.com.