Norman Mickey Miller – Captain, United States Navy

Commander Norman “Bus” Mickey Miller

Born February 1, 1908 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Died May 21, 1946 – Corona Naval Hospital, California, of tuberculosis contracted in the South Pacific. Buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Promoted to Captain posthumously.

R.J. Reynolds High School – Class of 1926
Naval Academy – Class of 1931
Naval Aviator – Designated 1934
CDR Miller Photo Album

Captain Miller took command of Bombing Squadron 109 in 1943 with the rank of Commander. This squadron consisted of 15 B-24 (PB4Y-1) planes with 57 officers and 148 enlisted men.  Between December 31, 1943 and August 16, 1944, his planes sank 20 Japanese ships, probably sunk or damaged 46 other enemy surface craft as well as destroying installations and aircraft on many South Pacific Islands. Some of the islands included Truk, Kwajalein, Puluwat, Saipan and Iwo Jima.

He retired from the Pacific war zone with several letters of congratulations
including one from Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander- in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet: “It is enough to say that the enemy will be glad you have left the forward area. Congratulations on an outstanding tour of combat duty. Well done.”

Commander Miller, Naval Aviator 4050, was decorated more times than any other aviator in the Navy.

Navy Cross (second only to the Medal of Honor)
Silver Star (third highest award)
6 Distinguished Flying Crosses
6 Air Medals
Purple Heart
Two Letters of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy and Admiral Nimitz
Presidential Unit Citation VB-109
American Defense Service Medal – Fleet Clasp
American Area Compaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal

He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 6, Grave 5015-A.

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