Memorial Day: Originally printed in The Dallas New Era on December 20, 1945

As Memorial Day approaches we wanted to remember heroes in our community. We wanted to highlight two brothers, James E. Miller and Arnold Miller. A story was originally ran in The Dallas New Era on December 20, 1945. It read as follows....

Miller Posthumously Awarded Silver Star
The Silver Star posthumously awarded to Staff Sergeant James E. Miller, was presented Friday morning, Dec. 14, at 10:30, to the soldier’s father, Mr. James H. Miller. The presentation was made by Major Edward C. McDaniel, Deputy Post Commander of Fort McPherson, in the presence of staff officers and friends at the U.S. Post Office in Dallas.

The citation for the award reads as follows:
“For gallantry in action on 16 April, 1945, near Fazzanello, Italy. On this day, Sergeant Miller voluntarily lead an assault squad against fiercely-defended enemy positions above Fazzanello after his company, in three insuccessful attacks, had been thrown back with heavy losses.
With admirable calm and superb skill, Sergeant Miller brought his small but resolute group to within grenade range of several enemy dugouts, when a cleverly-concealed machine gun abruptly opened fire in an attempt to foil this bold maneuver. Undaunted, Sergeant Miller ordered his men to take cover and then inched his way forward. Then, with one well-aimed grenade tossed from a standing position, he silenced the gun.
Following up this momentary advantage, he quickly grabbed a bazooka, moved through the hall of fire directed at him, and with unerring accuracy, fired one round to destroy completely another emplacement. Only then did the full fury of the deeply entrenched foe break loose upon Sergeant Miller and his squad. It was now clear that the enemy were greatly superior to his small force, and he ordered them to withdraw to safety. Sergeant Miller, however, moved boldly to the flank and, by firing his rifle into the enemy positions, succeeded in drawing the brunt of the enemy fire upon himself, distracting their attention from the squad. Suddenly he fell to the ground, shot by an unseen sniper.
His outstanding initiative and superb courage, coupled with his magnificent leadership, not only saved the lives of his nine men but completely wiped out two dangerous enemy strongpoints.
His actions add glory and honor to the gallant exploits of the fighting American infantryman.”
A second son, Arnold Miller, was lost when the U.S.S Franklin went down by enemy action during the invasion of Okinawa March 19, 1945. A single Japanese plane came through the cloud cover and made a low-level run on the ship. It dropped two armor piercing bombs causing great damage. The ship was the most heavily damage air craft carrier to make it back to port under her own power of World War 2. Casualties totaled 724 killed and 265 wounded.
Can you imagine? Losing 2 sons in a war? To me this family made the ultimate sacrifice. This Memorial Day please remember our true heroes! Both of these Brave men were born and raised in the Union Community and both attended Berry College.

photo 1: SAMUEL ARNOLD MILLER
photo 2: JAMES EDWARD MILLER