“Michael Militello is an involved member of the Western New York community known by many, but few know of his sacrifice and bravery while serving in the United States Army,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Mike has done great things for this region and this country. We, as a grateful nation, are appreciative of his contributions and honored to present him with these long overdue medals of heroism and acknowledgement.”
“I am pleased to join Congressman Higgins in honoring this brave man who sacrificed so much to serve our country,” said Congressman Lee. “He was awarded several of the Army’s most prestigious medals, and it is unfortunate that it has taken so long for him to receive them. I am pleased that we can finally correct that today.”
Militello’s Service
In 1968, while a student at the University at Buffalo, Michael Militello was drafted to serve in the United States Army. His assignment with the Army’s 25th Infantry took him to the front lines in Vietnam.
Just seven months into his service, on August 13, 1968, while serving as point man for his unit, Militello was confronted by an ambush. Bullets tore into both his legs, knocking him off the trail and behind a tree – a move that probably saved his life. He returned fire and helped to drive his attackers out into the open but a friendly grenade left him blind. Militello tied off the wounds to his legs with shreds of his belt and pants and crawled back to the rest of his platoon where he blacked out. He awoke to more gunfire and took another bullet through the left leg this time. Helicopter gunships came to support Militello and he was lifted by medivac to a field hospital in Chu Chi, Vietnam.
Surgeons and nurses fought to save Militello’s legs which suffered a severed artery and other severe trauma. For the next two months, the wounded GI was treated in Army hospitals in Vietnam and Japan before being reassigned to the military hospital at Valley Forge PA.
In December of 1968, he was given leave for Christmas with the option of spending it in Buffalo’s winter or with relatives in Miami. On December 19, 1968 he boarded an Eastern Airlines DC-8 bound for Miami. The next stop the airliner made however was Havana, Cuba. Militello’s plane was skyjacked and the first part of his Christmas vacation was spent in Havana. Militello and two other servicemen in uniform were isolated from the remaining 145 passengers and spent 30 minutes being questioned about American military involvement in Vietnam by a Cuban military officer. Ten hours later, Militello and his fellow passengers finally arrived safely in Miami.
Militello’s Medals
Congressmembers Higgins and Lee presented Mr. Militello with 6 medals including the Purple Heart.
The Purple Heart is awarded to soldiers who have been injured or killed while serving with the US Armed Services. The original Purple Heart, designated as the Badge of Military Merit, was established by General George Washington in 1782.
The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service for any period between June 1950 and July 1954; between January 1961 and August 1974; between August 1990 and November 1995 and between September 11, 2001 to present. This bronze medal was established by President Eisenhower in 1953.
The Vietnam Service Medal is provided to all members of the Armed Forces serving in Vietnam and contiguous waters or airspace between July 1965 and March 1973.
The Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award is provided an individual assigned to an Infantry unit that was engaged and actively participating in ground combat.
The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal is awarded to personnel who served in the Republic of Vietnam for six months between March 1961 and March 1973.
Mr. Militello also received the Expert Infantryman Badge with Machine Gun Bar and Rifle Bar, awarded to individuals in the Army meeting established testing requirements with a specialty in infantry or Special Forces.
In 2000 Assemblyman Robin Schimminger awarded Mr. Militello with the New York State Distinguished service Cross, New York’s highest honor.
Militello’s WNY Involvement
After returning from his military service, Militello finished his education and opened a business – Mulligan’s Brick Bar on Allen Street. Over the last 40 years Militello has been involved in a number of restaurant and hospitality ventures including: Mulligan’s Museum of Fine Arts and Café; Sunset Bay Beach Club; the food and beverage service at Kleinhans Music Hall; Bijou Grille in the theater district; Sonoma Grill in Snyder; and Food Arts Concessions LLC which provides food service kiosks at local hospitals and businesses.
Militello is an active member of the Western New York community, serving on a number of boards including: the Erie County Workforce Investment Board, Market Arcade Film & Arts Center Board; Theatre District Association Board; I Love New York Tourism Board; Erie Basin Marina Committee; and the Presidents Council on Small Business.
Mr. Militello and his wife Marilynn have two daughters, one son and one granddaughter.
ShareThis