Following an assignment as Airborne ASW training officer at the Fleet Air Electronic Training Unit Pacific, in NAS Alameda, California, then Commander Milius volunteered for duty in the newly established Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN (VO-67). The new unit utilized converted P-2V aircraft, now known as the OP-2E, heavily armored and fitted with advanced land detection systems, for ground reconnaissance missions. The squadron deployed to Khno Phnom Airport in Thailand in 1967 and immediately began flying surveillance missions in the vicinity of the Ho Chi Min Trail. At 1157 local time on February 27, 1968, Commander Milius and the crew of his OP-2E aircraft were on an operational surveillance mission over Laos when the aircraft was hit in the radar well by a large explosive projectile, presumed a 37MM antiaircraft fire. One crew member was mortally wounded by the initial blast and fire broke out in the aircraft. As it became clear that the aircraft could not be saved, Captain Milius took the controls from the pilot, Lieutenant Bernie Walsh, and gave the crew the order to bail out. Captain Milius continued to control the aircraft to enable his crew to escape. Of eight surviving crew members of the initial blast, all but Captain Milius were safely rescued on the ground by the 37th Air Rescue Recovery Squadron Jolly Green Giants. Although Captain Milius was seen exiting the burning aircraft, heavy enemy fire in that area led to search efforts being discontinued before he could be recovered. He was subsequently declared Missing In Action in Southeast Asia in 1968. Captain Milius� status was changed to Presumed Killed In Action ten years later. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross in 1978.
Warship Milius�s motto, �ALii Prae Me�, or �Others Before Myself�, was chosen to reflect the Personal ethic held throughout Captain Milius� military career and his selfless act under fire.
From http://www.vo-67.org/vo67_ussmilius.html
May he rest in peace.