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.

Everyday Patriot Military Biographies 

are written by a.d. elliott - Take the Back Roads #TaketheBackRoads 

www.takethebackroads.com

Photography Gallery: shop.takethebackroads.com