By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – An Alabama soldier who died after covering a grenade to protect four fellow soldiers has been awarded a Silver Star. His father believes he also deserves the nation's highest award for military valor - the Medal of Honor.
Johnathon Millican's father, Mitchell, got the call Tuesday saying the award will be presented to Millican's widow, Shannon, at her Locust Fork (Blount County) home sometime in the next two weeks.
Private First Class Johnathan Millican, who was 20, was a member of the 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment from Fort Richardson, Alaska. He covered an enemy grenade with his body during an attack by insurgents in Karbala, Iraq, on January 20th and was one of five soldiers killed during the attack.
Millican was off duty in a communications room exchanging e-mails with his wife when the attack started.
Alabama Republican Congressman Spencer Bachus of Vestavia Hills has asked the Pentagon to consider awarding the soldier the Medal of Honor.
The process can take months or even years, and Millican's father is willing to be patient.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)