Cold Steel
by
Don Stivers
Captain Lewis Millett leads Easy Company, 27th Infantry Regiment in its bayonet assault against Hil 180, Soam-Ni Korea, February 7th, 1951
Like all new commanders, Captain Lewis Millett wanted to put his own stamp on the outfit he had inherited. This he did with the bayonet. While many soldiers in Korea had thrown away the antiquated weapon, Millet re-supplied it and drilled the men of Easy Company in its use. They kept bayonets fixed, and went about stabbing strawstacks and mudbanks in impromptu charges ordered by Millett on the march. The bayonet became the unit's symbol.
On February 7th 1951, Millett led his men up Hill 180 as part of Operation Punch. Throwing grenades, turning back to call for more firepower when he saw the ground ahead crawling with Chinese, he seemed constantly upright and exposed, standing under fire, urging the others on. At the crest, he took shrapnel from a grenade. The men saw him silhouetted on the skyline and heard him shouting "Use grenades and cold steel!"
That day the bayonet was used liberally. Some say it was the most complete bayonet charge by American troops since the Civil War. Of 47 enemy dead, 18 had been killed by the bayonet. For his courage and leadership in this action, Captain Millett was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Each of these fine limited edition prints is countersigned by Captain Lewis Millett.

400 S/N Prints
Print Size:26" x 22"
Price: 150.00 [Order] [Checkout]

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