Citation for the Distinguished Service Cross
Capt. William C. Miller, Athens, Tenn., Co. B CO, 137th, won the division’s first Distinguished Service Cross by wiping out two machine gun nests, coordinating the attack of Cos. B and C, and turning an apparently hopeless situation into victory for his battalion.
Captain William Carl Miller, of Athens, Tenn., has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in action. Capt. Miller is a hero of the Normandy beachhead fighting. Capt. Miller turned a hopeless situation into victory when he organized the remnants of two leaderless companies and went on to consolidate battalion positions. During the course of this action, he personally liquidated two machine gun nests.
Captain Miller was a member of the Athens State Guards when they were mobilized in 1940. He is a native of McMinn, a graduate of the McMinn County high school and was employed at the local A&P store for a number of years before going into service.
The captain’s wife, Mrs. Ruth Miller and his son Wayne, live at their home on Avenue B in Athens. He married Anna Ruth Grisham on Mar 1, 1942 in Columbia, SC. He was the son of John Harrison Miller and Louisa “Viola”Davis.
Buried at Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold, France, D, 22, 35
The Daily Post-Athenian, January 8, 1945
Mrs. Ruth Miller received word from the war department that her husband, Capt. Carl Miller died in Germany December 22. Mrs. Miller had received a message a few days ago that Capt. Miller was seriously wounded December 18.
Capt. Miller had been a one man army since invasion day in Europe, according to reports released from Military Headquarters. He has won several medals for personal bravery and leadership.
Photo courtesy; www.honorstates.org
- Rank: Captain
- Date of birth: 6 September 1919
- Date of death: 22 December 1944
- County: McMinn
- Hometown: Athens
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Normandy Campaign
- Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold (Moselle), France
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XV, Middle Panel
- Contact us to sponsor William C. Miller
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