134th Infantry Regiment Website
"All Hell Can't Stop Us"
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134th Infantry Regiment Website"All Hell Can't Stop Us" |
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Captain William Carl Miller, son of John Harrison and Louisa Viola (Davis) Miller, was born September 6, 1919 in Decatur, Tennessee. He married Ruth Grisham on Mar 1, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina. The couple had one child, a son, Wayne Ross Miller. Captain Miller was the Commanding Officer of Company B, 137th Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroic action August 2, 1944 during the battle at Mortain, France. He was wounded in action September 17 while fighting in the vicinity of Nancy, France and returned to duty October 4, 1944. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action November 8, 1944. Captain William C Miller was seriously wounded in action December 18 east of Sarreguemines, France and died of his wounds December 22, 1944. He is buried at Lorraine American Cemetery, Saint-Avold, France.
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| Distinguished Service Cross Citation |
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of
Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished
Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) William Carl Miller (ASN:
0-1290107), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection
with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with
Company B, 1st Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry
Division, in action against enemy forces on 2 August 1944, near Mortain,
France. On that date Captain Miller took charge of a disorganized
battalion and personally destroyed two German machine gun nests. Captain
Miller's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion
to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the
United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army. |
| General Orders No. 58, Headquarters Third United States Army, 12 September 1944 |
EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS - 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 local 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.
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| Silver Star Medal Citation |
| Captain William C Miller, O1290107, Infantry, United States Army, for gallantry in action near * * * , France on 8 November 1944. Captain Miller, Commanding Officer of Company B, 137th Infantry, led his troops mounted on tanks in an attack designed to relieve pressure on another unit which had been pinned down by heavy enemy fire shortly after entering the village of * * * . From his position atop the lead tank, Captain Miller directed the fire and movement of the tanks and of his troops, and succeeded in destroying two German tanks and three tank destroyers, and in driving the enemy from positions on high ground overlooking the village. Captain Miller then enter the village on foot and joined the commander of the unit therein in a house-to-house search for enemy snipers. By his outstanding leadership, daring, and initiative, he contributed materially to the rout of enemy forces in this area. His gallant actions are in keeping with the highest military traditions. Entered military service from Tennessee. |
| General Orders No. 55, Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, 5 December 1944 |