Johnathon Miles Millican
Private First Class, U.S. Army

On 20 January 2007, then-Private Johnathon Miles Millican was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, PVT Millican was one of 4 soldiers who was killed after militants attacked them in Karbala, Iraq, in a sophisticated sneak attack. The attackers posed as an American security team -- speaking English, wearing U.S. military combat fatigues and traveling in the type of sport utility vehicles U.S. government convoys use. PVT Millican was off duty in a communications room exchanging e-mails with his wife when the attack started. The attackers fired several rounds into the room with an AK-47 and one of them tossed a grenade. PVT Millican covered the grenade with his own body to shield his comrades. PVT Millican’s courageous actions that day earned him the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

He also received a posthumous promotion to Private First Class.

A more detailed version of what occurred in the battle leading to PVT Millican's death can be found at Honoree Record ID 318667 for Master Sergeant Sean Bennett.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Combat Action Badge
Parachutist Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Johnathon Miles Millican, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in combat action in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 20 January 2007, at Karbala, Iraq. Private Millican was one of four soldiers who was killed after militants abducted them from the governor's office in Karbala, Iraq, in a sophisticated sneak attack. The attackers posed as an American security team -- speaking English, wearing U.S. military combat fatigues and traveling in the type of sport utility vehicles U.S. government convoys use. Private Millican was off duty in a communications room exchanging e-mails with his wife when the attack started. The attackers fired several rounds into the room with an AK47 and one of them tossed a grenade. Private Millican covered the grenade with his own body to shield his comrades. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Burial

Private First Class Johnathon Miles Millican is buried at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East in Trussville, Jefferson County, AL.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17641078/johnathon-miles-millican