World War II Honoree

Channing B. Miller

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Aurora, Illinois

Honored By

Aria Guilbeau-Horton

Enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 22, 1942, and joined Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. He took part in the first wave of attacks on Betio Island, where he was wounded for the first time on November 20, 1943. Participated in the attack on Saipan and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions there on June 17, 1944. He was wounded again on July 8 when he suffered gunshot wounds to the face, chest and left hand. He was evacuated that day, but rejoined his unit at Tinian on July 29. He was wounded again the same day he rejoined his unit by a gunshot wound to the right side of the head. He was evacuated again on July 31. Returned to duty and was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the buttocks on September 11, 1944. Recipient of four Purple Hearts and the Silver Star.