A Soldier's Story: Private First Class Milton Lee Olive III



Private First Class Milton Lee Olive III, also known as "Skipper," was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 7, 1946. He was raised in Chicago and Lexington, Mississippi, graduating from Lexington High School.

PFC Olive was a photographer before joining the Army, earning pocket money by taking pictures of newlyweds and church picnics. He also participated in the Civil Rights movement by aiding voter registration.

Private Milton Olive enlisted in 1964 and was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and deployed to Vietnam for the Vietnam War.

Private Milton Olive earned a Congressional Medal of Honor for smothering a grenade with his body on October 21, 1966, while on patrol with his team in Phu Cuong.   He rests in the West Grove Cemetery in Lexington, Mississippi.

Chicago's Olive Park on Lake Michigan has been named in his honor.

* Read about a.d. elliott's Everyday Patriot Project here*

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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Location: Lexington, MS 39095, USA

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