David V. Miller

1919 - 2016

Miller, David V.

Major General (USAF Ret.)



MajGen Miller was born April 23, 1919 in Glen Ellyn, IL; the son of Otto and Bertha Abbott Miller. He grew up a child of the depression developing a respect for hard work and a passion for flying which he followed from early adventures in home built gliders to major accomplishments and more than 6300 hours in fighter and bomber aircraft. He graduated from Glenbard High School in 1937 and the Lewis Institute in Chicago. He married the love of his life, the former Marianne Neumann on May 3, 1941.



General Miller entered the U.S. Army Air Corps aviation cadet program in 1940 and was commissioned a second lieutenant at Kelly Field, TX on March 14, 1941. In the course of his military career, he was awarded MS degree in physics from the University of Wisconsin and graduated from the Air War College and the Harvard University Advanced Management program.



During WWII, he served as a single engine and two engine flight instructor, operations officer, & squadron commander. While assigned to the Pacific theater of operation, he was a P-38 photo reconnaissance pilot and deputy group commander.



After the war, he was again active in pilot training as Director of the Air Force Two Engine Instructors' School at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and later as 375th Pilot Training Group Commander at Vance AFB, Oklahoma. From 1955 to 1958 his duties took him to R.A.F. Sculthorpe, England where he was Director of Operations and Deputy Commander of the 47th Bombardment Wing; the Air Force's sole all weather strike force in Supreme Allied Command Europe.



His expertise in nuclear energy and research and development, resulted in a number of related assignments including those in the Pentagon as Division Chief, USAF Guidance and Weapons Division, and Director of Air Force Research and Technology.



In July 1964, he became Program Director, Air Force Space Systems Command and promoted to Major General during that tour.



In May of 1970, General Miller returned to the Pentagon as Director of Development and Systems Acquisition, DCS/Research and development. His versatile expertise in training, operations, and weapon system development was frequently called upon by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and often resulted in assignment to perform high level studies and analyses on organizational management, program management, and combat operation in high threat environments.



General Miller retired from the Air Force after thirty-one years of active duty, September 1, 1971, and was appointed to the Executive Office of the President of the United States where he served as Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council. In 1973 he joined Bell Aerospace Corporation as an executive until 1979 at the age of 60.



He was our rock. He was a very caring husband, dad, and grandfather. We could not have asked for a better husband, father, and grandfather. He was always there for us and supported us through all our endeavors. His warmth and friendly nature have touched many lives. He will be missed dearly.



Your family loved you Dad, and we are so proud and thankful for all you have done for us. You will live forever in our hearts and future generations.



The Millers retired to Albuquerque, NM, where they have lived for 37 years. They were members of the Albuquerque Country Club, where Dave enjoyed golf, and he and Marianne entertained many guests. He was also associated with the Dadalians and member of the Air Force Association.



Interment will be held in the Otto/David Miller lot of Forest Hill Cemetery in Glen Ellyn, IL. Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Glen Ellyn Historical Society at www.glenellynhistory.org.

To view information or leave a condolence please visit

www.danielsfuneral.com

Daniels Family Funeral Services

7601 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

505-821-0010