Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:43 | After John Miller's enlistment in the military, he had a number of experiences learning about the airplanes that he would later fly. Having this hands-on encounter with airplanes was a key turning point for him.
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John Miller remembers hearing the announcement of Pearl Harbor and the ramifications it had on his life. Knowing his brother was in the service and thinking about the danger the attack might put him in was a wake-up call for Miller.
John Miller recounts a few memorable events that happened in his early life that shaped his future decision to join the military. Growing up on a farm, independence comes to you in many different ways and for Miller, these helped him grow into a man.
Choosing between the life of a small town doctor and an engineer was a decision John Miller had to make and he was certain he'd made the right choice. Life during the Depression was difficult for a small town farmer, but Miller navigated his way through it.
John Miller talks of his trip crossing the Atlantic to face combat. The trip across the ocean was arduous but they managed to navigate their way.
A wealthy landowner let John Miller and his battalion stay on his estate while stationed in England. On this compound, they had a number of memorable escapades that helped them pass the time.
John Miller remembers the camaraderie he felt with his battalion and the other men that he was serving alongside. A particularly close relationship with a high-ranking member of the British military allowed them to get a personal tour of some of the most famous English landmarks.
John Miller recounts various outposts he had around the European continent. Miller remembers one particularly harrowing experience where he was left alone in the fog with an enemy tank that was shrouded by the forest.
John Miller describes the duties his battalion had of building out bridges across Europe. While traveling, they came across a neutral city where they were able to relax and refuel for a short period of time.
John Miller remembers some of humorous encounters that happened after his battalion met up with a Russian battalion to celebrate a truce.
Getting the chance to sleep in a heated room during the peak of WWII was an unexpected luxury for John Miller and a few friends from his battalion.
