He went on to study at Princeton, receiving an A.B. in politics with a senior thesis on jurisdiction in the South West Africa cases in 1966.[11] Mueller continued to play lacrosse at Princeton, and has cited his teammate David Spencer Hackett's death in the Vietnam War as an influence on his decision to pursue military service.[12] Hackett was a Marine Corps first lieutenant in the infantry and was killed in 1967, by small arms fire.[13] Mueller earned an M.A. in international relations from New York Universityin 1967 before pursuing his Juris Doctordegree. In 1973, after a period of military service, he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law,[14] where he served on the Virginia Law Review.
Military serviceEdit
Mueller was accepted for officer training in the United States Marine Corps in 1968, attending training at Parris Island, Officer Candidate School, Army Ranger School, and Army jump school.[15]
In July 1968, he was sent to South Vietnamwhere he served as a rifle platoon leader with Second Platoon, H Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division;[5][16] he eventually became aide-de-camp to 3rd Marine Division's commanding general.[15] In April 1969, he received an enemy gunshot wound in the thigh, recovered, and returned to lead his platoon until June 1969.[17] For his service in and during the Vietnam War, his military decorations and awards include: the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Purple Heart Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat "V", Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three 3⁄16" bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Parachutist Badge.[5][17]
