James E. Miller; a posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross
MCPO Retired in TN sends us a link at the Department of Defense which reports that they are about to award a Distinguished Flying Cross to Army Capt. James E. Miller who was the first aviator killed in combat on March 9, 1918;
Miller, Maj. M. F. Harmon and Maj. Davenport Johnson began the first combat patrol ever for the U.S. Army Air Services. They flew 180-horsepower, French-built SPAD XIII aircraft. The aircraft, a biplane, is named for its developer, the Société Pour L’Aviation et ses Dérivés.
Harmon’s plane experienced trouble early in the sortie, and so he was unable to continue on the patrol. But Miller and Johnson pressed on together and crossed into enemy territory. There, they fought off two German aircraft, but soon met more. It was then that Johnson’s aircraft experienced trouble with the machine guns.
According to the DFC citation, Johnson was forced to leave Miller to continue the fight against German aviators on his own.
“Miller continued to attack the two German biplanes, fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy, until his own aircraft was severely damaged and downed behind the German lines, where he succumbed to his injuries,” the citation reads. “Miller’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Air Services and the American Expeditionary Forces.”
The Army says that one reason for the award is in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the US entrance into the conflagration we now call World War I.
The United States declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. On Dec. 7, 1917, the U.S. declared war on Austria-Hungary, Germany’s ally.
“This is the 100th anniversary of [America’s entry into] World War I,” Speer said. “And it’s the 242nd birthday of our Army. But 100 years ago, there were significant changes in terms of the character of war. You had at that time, for the first time, the Army going off to war in foreign lands with our allies, fighting side-by-side with our allies, and representing the United States — which placed the United States into a significant leadership role in the world.”
Captain Miller’s combat patrol was a mere 13 years after the Wright brother’s tenuous first flight, and combat in a machine that would probably be too unsophisticated to be a soapbox derby racer today.
Category: Real Soldiers
Late recognition is better than no recognition, I suppose. Although it may not mean much to his surviving family, it does give an example of a honorable warrior from the early days of aviation.
Yeah hopefully someone in the family doesn’t sell it to a poser on eBay. 🙂
I have trouble understanding “family” that would do that. I have some of my paternal grandfathers’ things from WWI – his Sgt stripes, dog tags, a few letters and official papers. I cannot see selling those – and he was “just” a cook for the boys on the front.
I understand that some “families” are different, but I don’t understand them.
My Aunt decided that my Dad’s burial flag would sell better at the estate sale if the plaque(sp?) was off it. Thankfully, my other aunt saw what she was doing, grabbed everything from her, and is holding it to fix and send. I will be nice and not say what I thought about that.
You know something, this is all fine and well, but they waste their damned time on ancient history, no one that even knew the man is alive today! They have REAL, LIVE heros rusting away in military prisons for doing their job and killing muslim scum…defending the fellow soldiers…these a.h.s want to do something to make themselves look like they give a shyt…FREE OUR SOLDIERS that have no business in prison, reinstate them and back pay them plus a bonus for wasting precious life hours in prison!! imho
Hell, in those days it took big brass balls just to go up in a plane, let alone engage in combat while flying one. The machines were fabric stretched over wooden frames, their engines wouldn’t be trusted to power a golf cart today, parachutes were still experimental, and the best way out of an in-flight fire was a self-administered bullet. Those guys really were heroes.
BZ!
Selfridge ANGB was named after 1LT Thomas E. Selfridge, the first person to be killed in a crash of a powered aircraft. Was an air base ever named for CPT Miller?
Well, at least he didn’t run out of fuel like some people.
I like to think that on the other side of the veil, Heavenly Father pays attention to posthumous awards that are given by fellow human beings.
So, I don’t believe that due recognition of heroism or philanthropy are in vain, even if delayed.
What is done in the dark will be brought to the light, as the Good Book says, one way or another.
Nicely said, John. And I think you’re right. As long as they ARE remembered, it certainly isn’t in vain.