U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Gainesville, who authored the resolution honoring Millican, addressed the House before the vote.

"I am proud to rise today in honor of this courageous young man," Deal said. "This honor will serve as a lasting reminder of the recognition that is due a fallen hometown hero who sacrificed his life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers."

Millican was killed Jan. 20, 2007, in an attack on a compound in Karbala, 50 miles south of Baghdad. During an attack by terrorists on a U.S. compound, Millican dove on a grenade, saving the lives of other soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for bravery.

U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., also spoke on behalf of the resolution.

"Private Johnathon Millican of Trafford, Ala., showed wisdom beyond his years when he once said, ‘You don’t have to love the war, but you have to love the warrior,’" said Shays, calling Millican "a true, American hero."

Millican, 20, attended East Hall Middle and High schools and Lula Elementary.

He graduated from Locust Fork High School in Alabama in 2005.

His mother, Mary Lykins, and other family members still live in the Lula area.

"I’m extremely excited about this," Lykins said.

She said that since her son was buried in Alabama, it is particularly fitting that an honor be bestowed in the community where he was born and grew up.

According to reports from the military, Millican’s compound was infiltrated by nine to 12 militants posing as an American security team traveling in black GMC Suburbans. The terrorists had American weapons, wore U.S. military combat fatigues and spoke English, according to senior military officials.

A friend of Millican’s told the Associated Press that the soldier was speaking with his wife on a Web cam when he was interrupted by the attack.

Four men were captured and taken about 25 miles east of the compound, where they eventually were shot.

The resolution marks the first time Deal has sought the naming of a federal facility in his district.

The measure must now be passed by the U.S. Senate and sent on to President Bush for his signature.

Millican was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort Richardson, Alaska.