Daniel J. Miller

DANIEL J. MILLER INDIALANTIC, FL Lt. Col. Daniel J. Miller USAF (Ret.), age 82, of Indialantic passed away on Friday, Sep tember 1, 2006. Dan was born in NYC, NY on Mar. 13, 1924 to John J. and Kathryn Miller. He graduated from Stony Point High School where he lettered in two sports and excelled academically. In 1942, at the age of 18, he en tered the Army Air Corp. During World War II, he served as a navigator on a B-24. While sta tioned in Italy, he flew 25 mis sions over Germany where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor. After World War II, while sta tioned in Hawaii, he flew the P47 and P51 fighters. In Oct. of 1950, he was sent to Korea and served with the 3rd Air Rescue Service. In Feb. 1951, then Captain Miller, was advised that a wounded soldier had been spotted behind enemy lines. He skillfully landed his H-5 helicop ter and rescued 3 soldiers while taking enemy fire. In recognition of his acts of valor and extreme courage he was awarded the Chaney Award. Dan was awarded the Silver Star in March 1951, when he piloted an H-5 helicopter to an area infested with enemy troops and anti-aircraft batter ies. In the midst of intense ground fire, he lowered to the ground, rescued an American pilot, and took off. When one of his fighter escort planes was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, he attempted to land and made the second rescue. After com pleting 63 missions and rescu ing over 100 men, Dan piloted one of the four helicopters used to fly into North Korea to con duct the initial cease fire meet ings. After Korea, he transitioned into flying jets, be coming an instructor on the F-80, F-84 and F-86 fighters in Texas. During the Vietnam War, he flew rescue missions and commanded the 13th Tactical Air Support Squadron. In 1968, Dan was in command of the longest non-stop helicopter flight on record, from South America to Africa. After 30 years of service in the USAF he retired in 1972 at the rank of Lt. Colonel to India lantic, Florida. In 1983, in honor of Dans heroic service, the Air Force dedicated an H-5 Heli copter in his name In front of the US Air Force Helicopter Train ing School in Albuquerque, NM. Dan is survived by his wife, the former Julia Brophy of Grassy Point, NY. They were married on June 24, 1945 and celebrated 61 years of mar riage. He is predeceased by his son Michael, and survived by his children; Julie (Jeff) Gizzi, Dan Miller, Kevin (Sherrie) Mill er, Tim (Karin) Miller, Mark (Carolyn) Miller and eleven grandchildren; Amy, Kelly, Meredith, Michael, Danny, Lauren, John, Steven, Christine, James and Luke and six great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Septem ber 5th at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 S. Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach. www.beachfuneralhome.com. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday Sept. 6th, at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 3050 A1A, In dialantic. Daniel will be laid to rest with full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on September 28th. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Vitas Healthcare Corp., 4450 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Ste 280, Melbourne, FL, 32934.