Samuel J. Miller, CDR-USN (Ret.) was born September 17, 1918 on a farm near Springfield, OH. After graduating from Springfield High School, he worked at International Harvestor Company until he enlisted in the Navy as a seaman in May 1938.
He attended boot camp and radio school in Norfolk, VA and was assigned aboard a destroyer serving in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. He was ordered to flight school on May 4, 1941. As part of Class 170E, he completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviation Pilot on December 4, 1941. His service included land, seaplanes and airship commander in ZPG type airships.
Over time, he served in various departments and squadrons including Operations Officer on the USS Pine Island, Executive Officer and Commander of Fasron and Executive Officer of Nattu, Lakehurst,, NJ. He completed his naval career as West Coast Director of Project Handclasp, in San Diego, CA. For meritorious conduct, he was awarded many citations ad medals over his lifetime including the Air, Good Conduct, American National Defense, China Occupation, Extended National Defense and Navy Commendation, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Japanese Occupations and United Nations commendations. With the rank of Commander USN, he retired on March 1, 1966.