World War II Honoree

John Carroll Miller, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Lake Andes, South Dakota

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack and helped in the defense of the harbor and later commanded 5"/51 caliber gun detachment at Palmyra Atoll. While Commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, he took part in the landing on Saipan where he was badly wounded twice. He later assumed temporary command of 3rd Battalion and participated in heavy combat in the Awacha pocket on Okinawa. Received Bronze Star Medal with Combat 'V' and one 5/16" Gold Star, Purple Heart with one 5/16" Gold Star, Navy Presidential Unit Citation with one star, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three 3/16" service stars, and WWII Victory Medal.