Louis Wardlaw Miles

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Louis Wardlaw Miles (March 23, 1873 - June 26, 1944), was a World War I Medal of Honor recipient.

Miles served in the United States Army during World War I as a Captain in the 308th Infantry, 77th Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in action near Revillon, France on September 14, 1918.

His citation reads: "Volunteered to lead his company in a hazardous attack on a commanding trench position near the Aisne Canal, which other troops had previously attempted to take without success. His company immediately met with intense machine-gun fire, against which it had no artillery assistance, but Capt. Miles preceded the first wave and assisted in cutting a passage through the enemy's wire entanglements. In so doing he was wounded five times by machine-gun bullets, both legs and one arm being fractured, whereupon he ordered himself placed on a stretcher and had himself carried forward to the enemy trench in order that he might encourgage and direct his company, which by this time had suffered numerous casualties. Under the inspiration of this officer's indomitable spirit his men held the hostile position and consolidated the front line after an action lasting two hours, at the conclusion of which Capt. Miles was carried to the aid station against his will."