Oral History Interview with Harry Miller, August 22, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harry Miller. Miller was born in Beaver Township, Indiana on 28 April 1922. Upon joining the Navy in November 1942, he went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois for boot training. Upon his arrival he was selected for six months of training as a pharmacist’s mate. Upon completion of the course he was assigned to the Midshipman’s School at Notre Dame University. Among those from whom he drew blood, for medical purposes, was the movie actor Jackie Cooper. In 1943 he went to Treasure Island, California where he boarded the SS America bound for Brisbane, Australia. Upon his arrival he was assigned to the medical emergency room aboard the USS Blue Ridge (AGC-2). He describes his experiences while aboard the ship. Miller was then assigned to the patrol craft USS PC-1119. He recalls picking up USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) survivors and describes their condition and the treatment he administered. He was later awarded the Bronze Star for his work in treating those sailors. Soon after returning to the United States, Miller was operated on for a medical condition. He was discharged soon after leaving the hospital in December 1945